Seems like the logical solution would be an objective academic study, where anonymous trained observers (e.g. present/former loss prevention types) count all th

Seems like the logical solution would be an objective academic study, where anonymous trained observers (e.g. present/former loss prevention types) count all the number of thefts. The stores would allow the observers to make the count by whatever means appropriate, e.g. whatever monitoring the stores currently use, additional hidden RF tags that wouldn’t be cost-effective otherwise, etc.. Then anonymize any stats for public release. No attempt would, or would be allowed to, be made by the observers to intervene. When the welfare of an entire City is at stake, it seems a worthwhile activity. For objectivity sake, the academics should be from out of state. More direct and certified identification of actual theft than comparing units purchased in inventory v. actual purchases of said units. Should make it possible to then quantify thefts by employees v. shoplifters. Arguing about data gets the City nowhere. Find out what’s actually going on. The sooner, the quicker.