JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier made his way to a Jacksonville Home Depot on Friday to launch a new initiative aimed at protecting shoppers and employees.

Uthmeier said that when large-scale retail theft happens, shoppers feel the pain through higher prices.

First Coast News asked shoppers: "How important is it for you to stay safe while you’re shopping?"

Well, it’s important because I don’t want a bunch of thugs coming in here while I’m shopping. They might come in here with guns, I don’t know,” said shopper Derrick Anderson.

“I don’t go to places unless I feel safe,” said Cathryn Harvey, another shopper.

In Friday’s press conference at Home Depot in Oak Leaf, Attorney General James Uthmeier said retail theft is becoming more frequent and more violent.

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