Data Complicates Theft Claims in Milwaukee Grocery Store Closures

Analysis finds theft reports declined at closed stores, raising questions about Kroger's reasoning for shuttering locations.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:05am

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A recent analysis by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found that theft-related incidents at several Milwaukee-area Pick 'n Save grocery stores that were closed by parent company Kroger had actually declined in the years leading up to the closures. This contradicts Kroger's stated reason that theft was a factor in the decision to shutter the locations, leaving residents in neighborhoods like Metcalfe Park with limited access to fresh food. The data has prompted local officials to call for more transparency from grocers about the real reasons behind store closures.

Why it matters

The closure of grocery stores, especially in underserved neighborhoods, can have a significant impact on community access to fresh and affordable food. If the stated reasons for these closures do not align with the available data, it raises concerns about the decision-making process and whether low-income areas are being disproportionately impacted.

The details

The Journal Sentinel analysis looked at police report data from eight Pick 'n Save stores over a six-year period, including five stores that had been provided with enhanced safety measures and three that had not. It found that reported theft incidents declined 18% overall between the pandemic years of 2019-2021 and the post-pandemic years of 2022-2024. Seven of the eight stores saw declines, with the median drop being 25%. The Metcalfe Park location, which was closed, saw a 71% decline in theft reports. Despite this data, Kroger cited theft as one factor in the decision to close the stores.

  • From 2019 through 2024, the eight stores reported an average of 28 incidents of theft-related crimes to their local police department each year.
  • Reported theft incidents declined 18% overall between pandemic years (2019-2021) and post-pandemic years (2022-2024).
  • The Metcalfe Park Pick 'n Save location, which was closed, saw a 71% decline in theft reports from 2019-2024.

The players

Kroger

The parent company of the Pick 'n Save grocery store chain, which announced the closure of 60 stores nationwide last year, including five in the Milwaukee area.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson

The mayor of Milwaukee, who was able to meet with Kroger officials and was told that theft was one factor in the decision to close the stores.

Commissioner Lafayette Crump

A Milwaukee city official who also met with Kroger representatives about the store closures.

State Rep. Margaret Arney

A state representative who has publicly challenged the rhetoric that blames low-income areas for the loss of grocery stores and called for more transparency from grocers.

Milwaukee Ald. Russell Stamper

A Milwaukee city council member who has also called for more transparency from grocers about the reasons behind store closures.

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What they’re saying

“If there is more to the story, the grocer should tell the community so we can help grocers and other retailers be successful.”

— State Rep. Margaret Arney

“This closure is part of a larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of our business.”

— Kroger spokesperson

What’s next

Local officials have pledged to continue pressing Kroger and other grocers for more transparency about the reasons behind store closures, especially in underserved communities. Proposed legislation aimed at addressing food apartheid and requiring more advance notice of store closures is also being considered.

The takeaway

The data showing declining theft reports at the closed Pick 'n Save stores challenges Kroger's stated reasoning and raises questions about whether low-income neighborhoods are being disproportionately impacted by grocery store closures. This highlights the need for greater transparency from retailers about their decision-making process and a more holistic approach to addressing the complex issue of food access in urban communities.