Minneapolis-based Target is closing nine stores across the United States in response to theft and organized retail crime the company says is putting guests and employees at risk.
The closures impact stores in California, New York, Oregon, and Washington with no closures planned in Minnesota.
Earlier this year Minnesota lawmakers passed legislation that takes aim at organized retail crime. The law that went into effect in August adds more severe penalties to organized retail crime and gives law enforcement more tools to combat the crime.
"Organized retail crime often has a financial crime component to it," Representative Zack Stephenson told Vineeta Sawkar Wednesday on the WCCO Morning News. "I work as a prosecutor when the legislature is not in session. As a prosecutor I really saw the need for this legislation and I'm grateful we were able to get it done this year."
In some cases, criminals could face up to 15 years in prison due to stiffer penalties created by the newly implemented law. Stephenson believes the penalties alone could act as a deterrent to this type of crime in Minnesota, despite instances ramping up across the country.
"In some cases it will be a deterrent," he said. "We do know there's been an increasing trend of people traveling across state lines to engage in retail crime and other organized financial crimes, including identity theft and credit card fraud. They try to choose targets they think are more amenable to their activities."
Minnesota is the 35th state to have implemented an organized retail crime law.
Stephenson called Target's decision to close a handful of stores unfortunate.
"What had happened in some of these locations, where there's more and more merchandise being placed locked cases in stores, or where you have to get the attendant to get the stuff out, it was probably a matter of time before people decided it just wasn't worth doing business in those locations."