Shoplifting soars with millions across U.S. losing unemployment benefits

New York, December 12 (RHC)-- The U.S. Labor Department reports nearly 1.4 million U.S. workers filed for initial unemployment assistance last week — a sharp rise from the previous week — as the worsening pandemic continues to hammer the U.S. economy.   

The latest figures come as 12 million unemployed people are set to lose all their benefits at the end of December.  And about 19 million people are currently unable to pay their rent, with the CDC’s moratorium on evictions set to expire on New Year’s Day. 

The Washington Post reports that a sharp rise in hunger and homelessness across the U.S. has led to a spike in shoplifting, with staple foods like bread, pasta and baby formula in heavy demand.