Dollar Tree stores have become a hotspot for a disturbing new form of sexual assault, where men masturbate in front of female customers and ejaculate on them. The incidents are being documented and bragged about online.
The phenomenon, known as 'tagging' or 'sharking', has been linked to inadequate safety and security measures at Dollar Tree stores. Inadequate staffing, disorganized aisles, and a lack of security have created an environment that allows perpetrators to commit these crimes.
A 47-year-old woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, was a victim of this crime at a Dollar Tree store in Houston in December 2023. She reported the incident to the store's management, who seemed to downplay the severity of the situation. The woman later discovered that there had been similar incidents at the same store and that Dollar Tree stores were being targeted across the country.
The company has issued a statement saying that it takes reports of inappropriate behaviour seriously and cooperates with law enforcement. However, the woman's experience suggests that more needs to be done to prevent these incidents.