The decision to close stores prioritises team members and guest safety at Target. Credit: Mike Mozart/ Flickr (Creative Commons).

US-based retail corporation Target has decided to close nine stores across four US states in response to the rising cases of retail crimes.

The stores include the East Harlem location in New York City, two locations in Seattle, three locations in Portland and three locations in San Francisco and Oakland.

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As per a statement released by Target, the stores will be closed effective 21 October 2023.

In a statement, the company said: “We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organised retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests and contributing to unsustainable business performance.

“We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”

Besides the closure, Target also announced steps that it will take to combat retail crimes across its stores.

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The retailer will continue to invest in expanding its security team, hiring third-party guard services and deploying theft-deterrent tools to prevent and stop theft and organised retail crime across its stores.

In addition, Target pledged to invest in cyber defence to tackle retail theft, fraud and abuse.

It will also partner with the US Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division.

“While we will continue to make meaningful investments throughout our business, we cannot solve this issue on our own. In addition, we are taking a whole of community, government and industry approach to seek solutions,” Target added.

The retailer will offer affected employees opportunities to transfer to other Target locations.

Earlier this month, UK-based supermarket chain Tesco offered body-worn cameras to its staff members amid the rising violence and abuse against workers.