[0xbadf00d]

Not sure about an army, but I think the point is that they are actively consuming a public service more often because they have cut their own costs, instead of paying for a deterrent themselves.

[tantalor]

Surely the stores pay property taxes that go to local PD?

[randomgyatwork]

Walmart at times at least gets tax discounts for "all the jobs they create"

[randomgyatwork]

Sounds like one of Walmart's externalities.