San Francisco, once widely regarded as one of America’s most desirable cities, has become a symbol of rising theft and public-order concerns. The article says California law treats theft under $950 as a misdemeanor, and that shift has been followed by more visible retail theft and property crime.
According to San Francisco police statistics cited in the Korean article, car break-ins rose more than 21% over the past year, while vehicle theft increased by more than 10%. The article also says organized retail theft is now happening in broad daylight, not just at night.
Many drugstores and supermarkets in San Francisco and Los Angeles now keep even inexpensive items such as $5 toothpaste, shampoo and electronics behind locked cases, the article says. Customers must ask an employee for help, while thieves can walk out with bags because workers fear intervening and possibly being sued.
A Korean small-business owner said stores are being robbed on camera, insurance costs are rising and honest customers ultimately pay the price. The article frames the issue as more than a policing problem, arguing that when the law does not function as a deterrent, the burden falls on small businesses and ordinary residents.
