Police response

The Mayor of Chicago said that the rise in smash and grab crime is because the stores will not hire private security to protect themselves. In those stores that have private security the guards are hesitant to confront the thieves because it can easily escalate into violence and then the guards can be held responsible for any injuries or deaths. If a guard stops a thief and is threatened by the thief the guard may use his gun to protect himself and then the press reports that a guard killed an unarmed man for stealing a thousand dollars. Police face a similar situation in car chases. It is better to let the crook get away than to risk an accident where someone could be injured or killed. Once criminals realize that the police are hamstrung they will be emboldened. There have been a number of cases here in Minneapolis where criminal activity is reported to the police and there is no response. Something like breaking and entering cars or minor thefts are not responded to because they can lead to escalation and the officer could find his career in jeopardy.