AURORA | In 2022, as shoplifting rates spiked in Aurora, and across the state and the nation, the Aurora City Council agreed to get tough on shoplifters, increase jail time and even make it mandatory.
In Chicago, the same thing happened. Making shoplifting $300 or more in merchandise a felony offense in 2023, lawmakers there, just like in Aurora, were convinced they would prevent store thefts.
Just the opposite happened in both cities…