Crime and theft, not corporate greed, drove Walgreens from Chicago's South Side
Source: "Walgreens left Chicago's South Side because theft made staying impossible | Fox News." June 2, 2026. www.foxnews.com
The Gist
The author argues that Walgreens didn't abandon Chicago's South Side out of racism or greed - they left because massive theft losses and unsafe conditions made it impossible to stay in business. Instead of blaming the company, the community should take responsibility for the crime that drove away essential services.
Conclusion
Walgreens left Chicago's South Side because crime and theft made their operations unsustainable, not because of corporate greed or racial bias
Premises
- The Cottage Grove Walgreens lost over $1 million to theft in a single year despite spending $400,000 on security
- High theft, security costs, and declining sales from customers avoiding unsafe stores made the business financially unviable
- Honest customers, especially elderly residents, stopped shopping there because they felt unsafe
- Community leaders showed outrage at the store closure but were silent during the theft crisis that caused it
- When businesses close due to crime, the community loses jobs and essential services, harming the very people theft supposedly helps
- Blaming corporations instead of addressing community crime problems prevents real solutions and accountability
Assumptions
- Businesses operate primarily on profit motives and will close unprofitable locations
- High crime rates directly cause business closures in affected communities
- Community leaders have influence over local crime rates and public discourse
- Personal responsibility for criminal behavior exists regardless of socioeconomic circumstances
- Addressing crime is more effective than criticizing business decisions for solving community problems