I don't think this is a result of inequality. I think it's a complex mixture of local policies, culture, large scale criminal groups seeking profits, etc. Ineq

I don't think this is a result of inequality. I think it's a complex mixture of local policies, culture, large scale criminal groups seeking profits, etc. Inequality is certainly a factor! But ultimately, large criminal organizations are turning shoplifting into a business. I don't think that efforts to support a "large, stable middle class" will help much with that.