Anchorage’s Retail Crime Reality: A Look Inside the Changing Landscape

Anchorage Police Sgt. Christopher Worland gets into his vehicle outside the Midtown Mall in Anchorage on Dec. 15. (Marc Lester / ADN)

In the bustling city of Anchorage, Alaska, the big-box retail experience is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Robin O’Donoghue, a 27-year-old content creator with a significant social media following, recently embarked on a mission to explore the current state of shopping in the city. Armed with a camera and a curious mind, he stepped into well-known stores like Walmart and Fred Meyer.

His mission? To highlight an increasingly common sight: retail goods locked behind glass and strict security protocols. “When did these stores get locked down like more than the Pentagon?” he asked his audience, exposing a reality that many Alaskans have come to accept.

The Rising Tide of Retail Security

The items locked away are diverse: from everyday essentials such as lotion and laundry detergent to seemingly innocuous items like brown twine. O’Donoghue’s experience reflects a broader trend in Anchorage—a dramatic increase in retail crime that has prompted store managers to ramp up security measures. Surveillance cameras, armed guards, locked merchandise, and exit receipt checks have become the new normal, fundamentally altering the shopping atmosphere.

According to the Anchorage Police Department, two factors contributed to this rise in retail crime: a national increase in theft and a local judicial environment that saw hundreds of low-level misdemeanors unprosecuted. With criminals sensing a lack of consequence, theft became brazenly rampant.

The Impact on Quality of Life

Christopher Worland, a sergeant with the Anchorage Police, offers insight into the situation. “Most people have this concept that it’s just a store, but it really affects everybody’s quality of life,” he stated. The feeling of discomfort and unease that accompanies shopping has escalated, creating a shopping experience that is significantly more expensive and less inviting.

Neighborhood Disparities: Different Realities in Anchorage

O’Donoghue’s videos have stirred conversations about how retail security measures vary across neighborhoods in Anchorage. Felix Rivera, an Anchorage Assembly member, has experienced this firsthand. He began shopping in Midtown stores and was surprised to discover how much the atmosphere differed from his previous experiences in the Abbott Loop area.

“It’s significant,” Rivera noted. “Now all of a sudden I’m being asked to show my receipt.” He explains that Midtown faces a large amount of theft that doesn’t occur in more affluent neighborhoods, prompting stores to adopt stricter security protocols.

The Imperative for Change

Business owners have voiced their concerns to local leadership. Many are considering leaving if crime continues to escalate. Rivera emphasizes the importance of addressing the issues driving retail theft—issues such as homelessness and addiction—rather than simply relying on law enforcement to resolve the problem.

A Wider Context: National Trends in Retail Crime

Anchorage is not alone in facing this issue; nationwide, retail theft has grown significantly. The National Retail Federation recently reported an 18% increase in shoplifting incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, with threats or violent acts during theft incidents rising by 17%. Major retailers, including Target, have closed locations in areas they classify as high-crime zones.

Amid these changes, O’Donoghue reflects on a personal connection to shopping, recalling the sense of wonder he experienced as a child when visiting stores. The current landscape evokes a sense of sadness for the consequences that crime inflicts on the community.

Navigating Complexities: Mental Health and Crime

The issues surrounding retail crime are interconnected and complex. For many advocates, addressing shoplifting—especially low-value theft—is a cumbersome approach that diverts police resources from more pressing crimes. Rivera underscores the necessity of a balanced approach, highlighting that increased policing should not come at the expense of addressing underlying social issues.

A History of Challenges

Anchorage’s retail landscape has endured high rates of theft and crime for years. Chief Sean Case of the Anchorage Police notes that this has long been a prevalent issue, particularly in the Midtown area, which has seen an increase in homeless encampments and the challenges that come with them. Retail locations have become battlegrounds for public safety, as indicated by data showing that complaints to police have surged.

For instance, a Walmart in Midtown has recorded over 950 police calls this year alone, many stemming from minor issues but exposing a layer of deeper societal challenges. Reports of assault, theft, and even gun incidents have created an atmosphere of fear.

Defensive Measures and Community Impact

Retail establishments in Anchorage have ramped up defensive measures significantly, employing mobile surveillance systems and tightening access points. Stores like Carrs have increasingly restricted customer access to heighten security. The result? A shopping experience that feels less welcoming, more scrutinized, and ultimately more expensive.

One shocking incident that encapsulated the rising violence occurred when a security guard was shot while checking receipts at a Carrs grocery store. This incident not only disrupted the safety of shoppers but also revealed the risks facing those trying to combat theft.

The Evolution of Enforcement: ‘Retail Detail’ Initiative

In response to the escalating concerns, the Anchorage Police Department launched the “retail detail” initiative. This strategy focuses on assigning officers specifically to investigate and curb retail crime. With the city better staffed, law enforcement aims to prosecute habitual offenders more effectively, treating multiple theft incidents as serious felonies rather than minor infractions.

This method aims to identify and track prolific thieves while utilizing store surveillance footage as evidence without resorting to invasive facial recognition technology.

A Case Study: Prolific Offender Patterns

One of the most alarming cases involved a woman named Antionette Brooks, accused of orchestrating more than 53 thefts across various stores, amassing an astonishing $27,000 in merchandise. Despite numerous encounters with law enforcement, her repeated patterns illustrate the challenges in effectively managing retail crime while addressing broader social issues.

The narratives emerging from Anchorage highlight the delicate balance between law enforcement and community responsibility—an ongoing conversation that echoes far beyond this Alaskan city.

The current landscape for retail shopping in Anchorage reveals a complex interplay of crime, safety, and community dynamics. Each element plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences of both shoppers and store employees, highlighting the intricate challenges faced in creating safe, secure, and welcoming retail environments.