Target announced Tuesday it will close two Seattle area stores in October because theft and organized retail crime are making the locations unsafe for workers and shoppers. Target said the University Way and Ballard stores will be shuttered on Oct. 21. According to Target, 22 stores will remain open in the Seattle area. About 4,000 people are employed at the various Target locations throughout Seattle. The store closures are part of nine Target closures across four states, the company said in its release. Target described the decision as “difficult." “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. READ MORE: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/target-close-2-seattle-stores-theft-organized-retail-crime/281-ff8bbf28-ee83-401b-a6ea-9feebca4799e