Target shoppers could face $1,000+ fines in 6 states for failure to comply with new rules

That quick grocery run could cost you $1,000 more than you expected if you live in these six states.

More specifically, several state have now put in place new laws that specifically make it illegal to take a shopping cart off store property.

Shopping cart theft is a tale as old as, well, shopping carts – but these six states are now getting pretty serious about it…

Why this is happening

The single stat that tells the whole story here is – nearly 2 million shopping carts go missing every year in the United States, according to the Food Marketing Institute.

That’s a whole lot of money retailers have to keep spending to keep this basic shopping staple stocked.

And while the specifics differ state to state, the trend is clear…

6 states, $1,000+ fines

Here are the states where shopper could face fines of $1,000 or even more:

• California: Up to $1,000 fine (or 6 months in jail)
• Illinois: Up to $2,500 file + possible jail time
• Nevada: Petty larceny charges, fines up to $1,000
• New York: Fines up to $1,000, plus misdemeanor charges
• Texas: $500 for first offense, $2,000 + jail time for repeat offenses
• Washington: Fine of up to $1,000 + up to 90 days in jail

The crackdown is on.

But will it succeed?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

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