Hardware Store Tests New Anti-Theft Method, Customers Must Wait for Employee Aid to Shop
• San Francisco hardware store testing new shopping method with one-on-one employee assistance to deter rampant shoplifting • Store blocking part of entrance and having customers wait for employee instead of freely roaming • Manager says theft is worst it's been in his 24 years, forcing them to take measures like drilling down pots and pans • Experiment has been going on for 3 weeks, will review after a month if it helps reduce theft • SF supervisor calls situation "tragic and embarrassing", says city needs more police to protect residents and small businesses