Theft on Oconto Avenue

Today, June 18th, 2022, I returned, with a neighbor, three shopping carts that were left on our block. Two of those belonging to the Aldi on 78th and Harlem. After this, I returned to Oconto Avenue, only to find two other shopping carts from the local Aldi. With the exception of the shopping cart in the first picture, which was found at 7701 South Oconto, all of the other carts have been left today and practically all other days at the same spots, which are at or between 7741 South Oconto and 7751-58 South Oconto.

When I noticed that this was a bad habit a few years ago, I contacted the district manager of Aldi and suggested that he might try magnetizing his carts like stores in the cities do. For those who are unaware of the magnetization of shopping carts, there is a device attached to the front wheels of each cart. When the person using the cart goes so far from the store, the magnets cause the front wheels to freeze and prevent the cart from moving any further. Doing this has allowed stores to save money on replacing the cards, which in turn keeps store prices low. The district manager at the time asserted his lack of interest in doing such a thing. In fact, it seemed as if he did not care either way.

Upon addressing the issue with the local store manager, Rosie, she said, "We do not know who is taking these out, whether or not they are homeless, and we are not allowed to follow people out of the stores. I will bring this up with my district manager, but she will have to speak to whoever is above her in the chain of command."

Hopefully, something can be done about this. Seeing our block dotted with shopping carts from another store all the time is very classless. It gives the block, as well as the entire town, a bad image. Perhaps the owners of the aforementioned properties on Oconto Avenue should reprimand the tenants who are guilty of stealing shopping carts. That's exactly what they are doing: stealing. The shopping carts are worth well over $100, where is they can get their own shopping cart and utility wagon for less than $50 depending on the store that carries them. Besides, stealing a store shopping cart is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable with a fine up to $2,500 and a jail term of up to 1 year. It is time we did something about this and it is time that we redirect those who cheapen our communities by this constant thievery.