Wal-Mart lowers shoplifting bar

[Laurajean1014]

Wal-Mart lowers shoplifting bar

Oliver Burkeman in New York
Friday July 14, 2006
The Guardian

"Always low prices" is the endlessly repeated slogan of Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer. But now, if the price is low enough - under $25 (£13.50) - you might get away without paying at all.

The chain has decided to stop seeking prosecution of shoplifters stealing goods worth less than $25, ending the "zero tolerance" policy inaugurated by the firm's strictly moral founder, Sam Walton.

Shoplifters under 18 or over 64 will also escape prosecution, according to an internal memo leaked to the New York Times by an anti-Wal-Mart pressure group. The store will continue to seek prosecution of all suspected thieves who threaten violence or refuse to show identification.

 

[monkeyboy]

Where is my X-mas list?

 

[ducklite]

Unfortunately that tells me that they are so overwhelmed by "Five Finger Discounter's" that they jsut can't keep up with it.

Anne

 

[ChristmasElf]

What a stupid idea. Now all a theif has to do is just make more than one trip to get all he wants to steal. Whoever came up with this idea in an idiot.

Another reason that I stick with Target.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

DH said that it's only for the first offense. The second time, they prosecute. Still, the idea is stupid.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

So, now we can shoplift $24.99 worth of stuff every day until we get caught?!


Cool.

















~just kidding, folks.

But really, how stupid to publicize this policy change.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

That really ticks me off. I REALLY hate shoplifters! It's probably because I worked in Security in a retail store for a few Christmas seasons.

 

[marybet]

I am sure it is just not cost effective to prosecute someone who steals $25 or less. But I am sure they will be banned from the store or as another poster said prosecuted for the second offense. I wonder what percentage shoplifts $25 or less?

 

[kydisneyfans]

Chia Pets for everyone this Christmas!!!

 

[cardaway]

Saw this posted last week at a DVD site and the title was "Free DVD's at Wal-Mart". If they stuck to standard movies under $25 a person could make out pretty well.


IMO this says a lot about Wal-Mart customers.

 

[Cool-Beans]

So, what is the deal? We get freebies up to $25? We can steal as much as we want under $25 until we get caught, then we have to stop because if we do it again they'll really mean it?

I cannot believe they put this in writing.

Not that I'd start stealing, but c'mon!

 

[LisaB]

Just think about all the Wal Marts in a big state you could hit one every day

 

[Laurajean1014]

Now we can give everyone those sausage logs!