In recent years, major American retailers like Target and CVS have labeled minor thefts as 'organized retail crime' and taken severe measures against them. However, most of these so-called 'criminal masterminds' are homeless individuals or those with mental illnesses. This raises a profound social question: should we blame these individuals, or should we reflect more deeply on the societal structures that lead to such behaviors?

In this article, we will delve into this phenomenon and examine the real reasons behind these actions. First, let's look at some specific data. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), annual losses due to retail crime amount to billions of dollars. This certainly sounds like an alarming figure, but if we analyze these data closely, we find that most cases involve petty theft, often committed by individuals who are struggling to survive.

For instance, many homeless people resort to stealing basic necessities like food and clothing to get by. These individuals are not professional criminals but rather marginalized groups in society. Their actions reflect social injustices and poverty more than personal moral failures. Therefore, labeling these actions as 'organized retail crime' and imposing harsh penalties does little to address the underlying issues and may even exacerbate social tensions.

Moreover, many individuals with mental health conditions have also fallen victim to these crackdowns. Due to a lack of adequate healthcare resources and social support, these people often act out of desperation. Their actions require understanding and assistance from society, not criminal punishment. We need more mental health support and community services to help these individuals reintegrate into society.

In conclusion, the label of 'organized retail crime' obscures deeper social issues. We should focus more on addressing poverty and mental health problems rather than simply punishing the most vulnerable through harsh legal means. Only then can we truly build a more just and inclusive society.