Apparently in Japan, their Apple Stores just display all their devices without any security tags on them since it’s built within a trust system where an individual is expected to not shoplift (due to shaming culture) as public face and reputation matters to them along with heaps of CCTV and stricter laws. However, try doing the same thing in New York or Seattle and see what happens…
I think this is just a thing in Apple Stores. Apple pioneered the Find My technology. Every device has gps baked in and activation lock. Even if you steal it, you can’t use it. You’re also now carrying around a tracking device that law enforcement can use to find you.