Target Closing 9 Stores Due to Theft, Retail Crime | Video

Target Store (Joe Raedle-Getty Images )

Target is closing nine stores across four states due to rising thefts and organized retail crime.

“[W]e cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” Target said in a statement. “We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”

As CBS News reports, “the closings include three stores in California’s Bay Area; three stores in Portland, Oregon; two in Seattle; and one in New York City,” the outlet writes. 

The store closures begin on Oct. 21. After the closures, Target will still have 150 stores.

To prevent thefts at the affected stores, Target added security guards and took other measures, but to no avail, according to CBS News. 

“Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully,” the company said.

In August, Target CEO Brian Cornell told Wall Street analysts that assaults against Target employees had increased 120% over the last five months.

“Our team continues to face an unacceptable amount of retail theft and organized retail crime,” he said at the time. “Unfortunately, safety incidents associated with theft are moving in the wrong direction.”

Per CBS News, the Target stores set to close are:

California

• 1690 Folsom St. in San Francisco
• 2650 Broadway in Oakland
• 4301 Century Blvd. in Pittsburg

New York

• 517 E 117th St in New York City

Oregon

• 939 SW Morrison St. in Portland
• 3031 SE Powell Blvd. in Portland
• 4030 NE Halsey St. in Portland

Washington

• 4535 University Way NE in Seattle
• 1448 NW Market St, Ste 100 in Seattle