Security Guards Played 'Bach' Instead to Prevent Homelessness... "Highly Effective"

U.S. retailers are drawing attention by playing classical music as a way to deter unwelcome loiterers near their stores.

Johann Sebastian Bach

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According to local media including the Chicago Sun-Times on the 10th (local time), the large pharmacy chain Walgreens has been repeatedly playing Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D minor,” Gioachino Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” and Johann Strauss I’s “Radetzky March” at the entrances of some stores in downtown Chicago, attracting attention.

The media reported that Walgreens hired “orchestra security guards” to drive away loiterers, beggars, and homeless people settled near the outer walls of the stores, noting that “major retailers in the western U.S. started this first.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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In fact, some retailers such as convenience store chain 7-Eleven have reportedly used similar methods in California and other places with success.

Walgreens stated, “We use classical music to prevent vagrants from gathering around the stores,” but did not answer why they believe classical music has such an effect.

John Melaniphy, president of Chicago-based retail consulting firm Melaniphy & Associates, said, “Retailers, whether in big cities or suburbs, are under extreme stress due to the chaos and increase in theft incidents triggered during the COVID-19 pandemic,” adding, “They are looking for ways to suppress crime and youth disturbances while maintaining their status as stores with many customers.”

He explained, “Playing classical music is one strategy. It does not greatly disturb customers, does not require posting police officers, and is a non-threatening method.”

[Image source=Pixabay]

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However, reactions are mixed. A customer at a Walgreens store commented, “The playlist is too monotonous.” Some local residents also expressed complaints on social media about the music being too loud.

Kevin Gregg, a homeless person in his second year whom we met in front of a Walgreens store, said, “The homeless shelters are full of illegal immigrants, so they no longer help,” adding, “The area under the store’s outer wall and nearby flower beds are good places to avoid the hot sun and rain. It’s even better with the music playing.”

Douglas Schenkelbus, executive director of the Chicago Homeless Coalition, emphasized, “The fundamental cause of homelessness is the shortage of housing,” and said, “Simply moving homeless people elsewhere does not solve the problem.”

He added, “Policies that treat them not as people but as nuisances need to be reconsidered.”

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