In the wake of his father’s untimely death, Jeff Rasor, the son of an elderly Home Depot worker, is urging authorities to address the alarming increase in theft that puts store employees’ lives at risk. Gary Rasor, 83, tragically lost his life when he confronted a serial shoplifter who was stealing three pressure washers valued at $800 from the store’s garden center on October 18. The thief violently shoved Gary to the ground, causing severe injuries that led to his passing on December 1, Your Content has learned.
Jeff Rasor, speaking in a recent interview with Nightline, revealed that his father had only intended to ask the thief for a receipt before the attack occurred. He passionately advocates for stricter consequences to discourage thieves and halt the surge in organized retail crime that was responsible for his father’s death.
Gary Rasor, a dedicated Home Depot employee of nine years, was known for his commitment to training young workers and interacting with customers. Despite being urged to retire on his 80th birthday due to financial stability, Gary genuinely enjoyed his work and refused to leave Home Depot. He continued working there for two more years before the tragic incident took place.
Jeff Rasor emphasizes the need for appropriate measures to combat retail theft and prevent individuals from turning to a life of crime. While he understands the importance of accountability, he believes that his father would not have wanted the perpetrator to spend his entire life in jail but instead hopes for the young man to find redemption and pursue a different path.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence, as another Home Depot employee in California lost his life after confronting a shoplifter only five months after Gary Rasor’s death. The growing trend of organized retail crime has prompted law enforcement officials to issue warnings about the escalating number of violent and audacious attacks. Retailers have reported a significant 26.5% increase in organized crime between 2020 and 2021, according to a report released by the National Retail Federation in April.
The urgent need for action is underscored by the overwhelming statistics, which reveal the devastating impact of theft on businesses. Retailers collectively suffered a staggering $94.5 billion loss due to shrinkage in 2021, encompassing theft and other inventory-related losses. Additionally, organized retail crime incidents surged by 26.5% in the same year, as reported by the 2022 National Retail Security Survey.
In light of these distressing developments, large retailers such as Target, Macy’s, and Best Buy have begun contemplating store closures to combat rising crime rates. Shoplifting has become alarmingly prevalent, aided by brazen daylight thefts and the ease of self-checkouts, resulting in significant financial losses for businesses.
Jeff Rasor’s call for action serves as a poignant reminder that urgent steps must be taken to address the rampant theft plaguing stores across the country. It is crucial for authorities, retailers, and communities to come together to implement effective strategies that prioritize the safety of employees while deterring potential criminals,‘according to New York Post.
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