Walgreens cited shoplifting as rationale for closing 5 stores in San Francisco, but local officials, data, and experts cast doubt on that explanation

Customers walk by products locked in security cabinets at a Walgreens store that is set to be closed in the coming weeks on October 13, 2021 in San Francisco, California.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Walgreens said it's closing some San Francisco stores because of an increase in retail theft.
Police data obtained by the Chronicle did not show high rates of shoplifting reports at the closing stores.
One expert said people moving out of the city during the pandemic could've hurt Walgreen