Target is closing nine stores in major cities across the country due to “theft or organized retail crime” that threatens the safety of employees and guests.

In a statement, the Minneapolis-based retailer said the stores, located across four states, will close Oct. 21.

“In this case, we cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance. We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all,” Target said in a statement.

The company said it “invested heavily” in strategies to prevent and stop theft, including the addition of outside guard services, but “continue to face fundamental challenges.”

“Before making this decision, we invested heavily in strategies to prevent and stop theft and organized retail crime in our stores, such as adding more security team members, using third-party guard services, and implementing theft-deterrent tools across our business. Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully,” the statement continued.

Eligible employees will be offered an opportunity to transfer to other Target locations. In all, more than 150 Target locations will remain open in the areas where closures are taking place.

Slates for closure are:

New York City

• Harlem: 517 E 117th Street

Seattle

• Seattle University Way: 4535 University Way NE
• Seattle Ballard: 1448 NW Market St, Ste 100

San Francisco/Oakland Market:

• SF Folsom and 13th St: 1690 Folsom St
• Oakland Broadway & 27th: 2650 Broadway
• Pittsburg: 4301 Century Blvd

Portland Market:

• Portland Galleria: 939 SW Morrison St
• Portland Powell: 3031 SE Powell Blvd
• Portland Hollywood: 4030 NE Halsey St