The increased theft is truly harming business everywhere. San Francisco has literally lost millions due to retail theft. Many companies are closing their doors and there are corporate headquarters that are relocating due to this problem. I have written about this in the past as they form groups and then go into all types of stores and literally raid them. Many of the retail discount stores and groceries are now subject to this same problem but to a lesser degree. People are simply stealing without groups and doing it on their own. Walmart, Target and Kroger have had enough. Part of the new issue is self service for check out. It seems to make it easier to steal. They love self service as they do not need as many employees. Instead of long lines, they have more checkout stations that are unmanned. They have one person covering at least eight plus self service registers. Not only that but they have videos to identify you while you are checking out. Kroger is starting with artificial intelligence or AI. They feel this is a good approach to help them reduce retail theft and keep their costs down. Kroger has found that it actually works. Even if a person is not stealing, the AI will alert a staff member and you might face the embarrassment of making an error. They are even considering giving Walmart and Target a blueprint to help both companies reduce retail theft. On occasion I have discovered I missed an item for payment at self service. It is so difficult to bring the item back and pay for it. The worst part is that the staff is always in shock and they gather others to assist while you are simply trying to pay for something you missed by accident. More and more AI is being used in our daily lives. How do you fell about AI? The Good Gus Series is available online at Kindle, Nook and Waterstones. Hard copies, personally autographed, are available through our website www.goodgusbooks.com along with past blogs for your reading enjoyment. Now available audio and videos for the Good Gus series on YouTube! Digitizing for all the books are available now on YouTube! “Misplaced Trust” is now available on Amazon in e-book form. It is also available digitally at www.misplacedtrustbook.com. If you are thinking of a Will or a Living Trust, “Misplaced Trust” will give you the information you need to make an informed decision. Please check me out on IHeart radio. “The Special Gift” is now available at the Morgan Mill Mail/UPS.