[Cecily]

The citizen probably doesn’t want his Target store to close.

[Antoninus]

The citizen probably doesn’t want his Target store to close.

That's the problem. In bad or borderline neighborhoods, people know that if they allow shoplifting to go unchecked, eventually they will not have a store nearby and will be forced go travel miles (usually by bus) to purchase what they need. This is why, during the 2020 riots in Philadelphia for example, you had lines of regular folks out there defending grocery stores. There was a real fear that if you let the hoodlums destroy your neighborhood Acme or ShopRite, they wouldn't be coming back.

[irishjuggler]

I actually shop at that Target in Colma, and I don’t think that it’s in danger of closing. They recently expanded the store, adding a larger grocery area and more self-checkouts.

Would I personally intervene? No. Are the cops right to discourage the public, for their own safety, to refrain from getting physical with shoplifters? Probably. BUT from a deterrent standpoint, it doesn’t hurt if the thieving bums out there start to worry that maybe, just maybe some random dude is going to “make his day” kicking their butt

[adorno]

The citizen probably doesn’t want his Target store to close.

But, the crime=ridden state won't prosecute and the 'victim' shoplifter will be out with the charges being dropped or with a slap in the hand. Besides, it's a matter for Target to decide on whether they want to stay and tolerate the crime, or to seek a less hostile environment. The citizen is likely one of those that voted for the government that tolerates the crime.