It’s a crime that goes unnoticed a lot of the time, but it’s costing the victims billions of dollars a year. Shoplifting is a serious problem in America, and retail stores are losing lots and lots of money each year because of it.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Panic caused by coronavirus has customers buying up supplies in fear of running out of essentials in the future. This craze has caused stores like Publix to set purchase limits on items to prevent hoarding, but now has the company asking buyers to stop panic-buying items. Todd Jones, CEO of Publix Super Markets, said in a news release that deliveries occur throughout the day, so waiting outside stores before they open is unnecessary. “As you shop with us, we encourage you to buy what you need to allow your family, friends and neighbors the same opportunity – there is no need to buy extra. Publix stores have adjusted their hours to accommodate the extra time it takes for preventative sanitation and restocking.