(SNews) – The chief executive officer of American retail corporation Target has warned Democrats that rising crime and retail theft are devastating the industry.

Target Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell said high crime rates in Democrat-led cities are hitting the company’s profits and may lead to more store closures across the country.

Cornell said the problem is getting worse while blue cities turn a blind eye to crime.

In Chicago, one man was arrested three times for shoplifting in three weeks.

Cornell said: “The unfortunate fact is violent incidents are increasing at our stores and across the entire retail industry.

“And when products are stolen, simply put they are no longer available for guests who depend on them.

“Left unchecked, organized retail crime degrades the communities we call home.

“As we work to address this problem, the safety of our guests and our team members will always be our primary concern.

“Beyond safety concerns, worsening shrink rates are putting significant pressure on our financial results.

“So it is widespread, and I can tell you, as I talk to my retail peers, is that it’s a common theme across all of retail.

“It’ll vary by market, individual store, but the trends have been very persistent.

“And year on year we continue to see increases.”

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