How Far Will Walmart Go to Catch a Shoplifter

[CoreyX]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arkansas

As far as I'm aware, the Walmart franchise doesn't have a public or set policy when it comes to shoplifting (if they do, that would be much appreciated). But I'm wondering how far they will actually go to catch a shoplifter of $100 or under.

Lets say I'm 16, I stole something worth $25 dollars, possibly in the view of a security camera, and left the empty box in the isle, put the item in my pocket and walked out. Once they find the box, will they simply toss it and forget about it, or review the security camera footage, get a license plate and take legal action? Or is the rumor true that if it's presumed under $100 then once you're out the door, you're free?

And if you're caught in the act of said shoplift, my understanding is that they will take the item of course, call your parent if you're under 18, and if not they will take you to the police station and release you?

This is rumor based material, I really like a set of official policy, but if not, any info you have on the shoplifting guidelines/policy in Walmart, it would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[LawResearcherMissy]

Or is the rumor true that if it's presumed under $100 then once you're out the door, you're free?

No, that's just wishful thinking.

No one can tell you how far any particular WalMart will go to catch a shoplifter.

If you haven't shoplifted, DON'T. If you have, stay the hell out of WalMart. They've got a year to bring you up on charges, and if you're recognized and nabbed, life will get really uncomfortable really fast.

[Security Consultant]

"Walmart franchise doesn't have a public or set policy when it comes to shoplifting" - Yes they do. They have a policy and procedure manual.

[PandorasBox]

Walmart used to have a policy of $25 or under. That backfired on them.

As with any store - they can bust you on a 50 cent item.

See all those signs in their bathrooms and fitting rooms? That shoplifting can cost you atleast $2000? THEY MEAN IT.

And yeck yes, they can trace you by license plate number, and send a cop to your house/apartment to discuss things with you......

[CoreyX]

And yeck yes, they can trace you by license plate number, and send a cop to your house/apartment to discuss things with you......

I know they CAN do that, but what can I realistically expect as the outcome of it? Most likely nothing as long as I stay out of there for a year? I mean prosecuting me or even doing the research to find my identity itself would add up to more than $25 dollars.

[LawResearcherMissy]

I mean prosecuting me or even doing the research to find my identity itself would add up to more than $25 dollars.

Oh, sweetie, no. You're either terribly misinformed or delusional.

If they prosecute you, YOU get to pay all of the costs of your prosecution when they prevail - and if they've got you on tape, they WILL prevail. That's not even counting the fines and restitution.

[souperdave]

This is rumor based material, I really like a set of official policy, but if not, any info you have on the shoplifting guidelines/policy in Walmart, it would be appreciated.

Thank you.

If you do keep boostin', you can ask them all about "official policy" while they're doing the paperwork pertaining to your apprehension and waiting for the Popo to arrive.

[bam!]

"Walmart franchise doesn't have a public or set policy when it comes to shoplifting" - Yes they do. They have a policy and procedure manual.

Walmart has a policy, it just is not public. Walmart store security have nothing better to do than track down thieves because....wait for it....IT'S THEIR JOB! ::shocker::

All the guy has to do is rewind the footage which is much like a tivo and wala they have you stealing that item. Then they watch you leave and forward the video footage to the police.

Go to YouTube and search Walmart shoplifting. Look at all the camera angles they have. Walmart has a sick amount of cash and they keep the cctv company in business because they put cameras up everywhere.

Here is my advice. Instead of waiting to get caught, return the item to the store and beg for forgiveness. I bet they will let you off.

[PandorasBox]

$2000+.....is it really worth it? Along with the criminal record that will make finding a job (or a new job) really difficult....

Oh...by the way...

When an employee...let's say a stock clerk...finds the empty box, it is turned into LP. Along with date, time, location found, who found it. That makes it easier for them to rewind tape and take a good look at the thief.

May I suggest you shoplift at Target? Who has their own fingerprinting lab?

[aaron]

They'll go as far as they want to go. If you steal, you take your chances.