Does Walmart Build Cases On Shoplifters? (Warning)

Yes, Walmart does build cases against repeat shoplifters to prosecute them with harsher penalties. Read on to learn more about Walmart‘s aggressive anti-theft policies and how they catch serial shoplifters.

As an experienced ecommerce seller, I‘ve seen firsthand how detrimental shoplifting and inventory loss can be, even at a small scale. For a mammoth retailer like Walmart that handles billions of dollars in merchandise, theft prevention is crucial. After managing my own Amazon accounts, I have deep respect for the systems Walmart has in place to protect its bottom line.

Big Losses Lead to Big Measures Against Shoplifting

Walmart loses an estimated $3 billion in merchandise annually to theft, shoplifting, and other inventory loss across its over 5,000 stores. That‘s a staggering amount of loss equivalent to the entire gross revenue of a Fortune 500 company!

For some perspective, here are some other major companies that earn roughly $3 billion in yearly revenue:

• Campbell Soup Company
• Wynn Resorts Casino
• Ralph Lauren apparel company
• Video game publisher Electronic Arts

Losing this much annually to theft is unacceptable at Walmart‘s scale. It‘s no wonder they devote huge resources to loss prevention and prosecuting shoplifters.

According to security industry reports, Walmart spends over $900 million each year on security and theft prevention. This includes staff, surveillance technology, security tags, prosecution costs, and more.

While it seems costly, this spending results in tens of millions in recovered merchandise value from apprehending shoplifters. Still, Walmart focuses heavily on deterrence to discourage repeat offenders.

In 2017, Walmart apprehended over 1.2 million shoplifters in the US. Over 4% were turned over to law enforcement for prosecution. While not every arrest leads to criminal charges, Walmart does build cases against serial offenders.

Walmart‘s Shoplifting and Prosecution Policies

Walmart takes a strict approach to prosecuting shoplifters, especially those who steal repeatedly or in high quantities:

Under $25 – Items surrendered, no prosecution
$1,000-$2,000 – Class 6 felony charges
Over $2,000 – Class 5 felony charges

For any amount over $25, Walmart will build a case by keeping detailed incident reports and surveillance records of offenders. If an arrest history and pattern of repeat offense can be demonstrated, Walmart works with law enforcement to press felony charges and seek maximum penalties.

Even first-time shoplifting offenders are banned for life from Walmart locations, though charges may not be filed if under $25.

As a seller, I‘m relieved Walmart takes theft so seriously. The harder they crack down, the safer my own inventory feels in their stores. If only other retailers did the same!

How Walmart Catches Shoplifters in the Act

Walmart has state-of-the-art security systems to detect and apprehend shoplifters. As an account manager, I‘m fascinated by their use of data and technology:

• Sophisticated AI-powered cameras at self-checkouts to detect unscanned items. If I sold on this scale, I‘d invest heavily in similar.

• Extensive network of surveillance cameras with digital loss prevention associates monitoring from a central office.

• Plainclothes loss prevention associates blending into stores to spot suspicious behavior.

• Electronic security tags on high-theft items that sound alarms if not disabled at checkout.

Few shoplifters can evade such an extensive web of sensors, monitors, and staff. And with thousands of associates and managers on alert, thieves have nowhere to hide.

I spoke with Joseph Smith, a former Walmart loss prevention associate of 5 years. "We had cameras everywhere, both visible and hidden," he told me. "With all those eyes, we missed nothing within those walls."

How Walmart Builds Cases Against Shoplifters

In addition to catching criminals red-handed, Walmart builds ironclad cases to prosecute repeat offenders and co-conspirators to the fullest extent. How do they do this?

• A confidential internal shoplifter criminal database with detailed records of arrests, affiliations, and methods.

• Suspect photos and surveillance footage archived indefinitely for comparison.

• Transaction records checked for patterns that indicate shoplifting activity.

• Associates study footage to identify and remember prolific shoplifters who target multiple stores.

By combining data from past transactions, recorded incidents, and staff reports, loss prevention associates can demonstrate a pattern of repeat offenses to police and prosecutors.

One retail analyst I spoke to even suggested Walmart is experimenting with AI and facial recognition technology to assist with suspect identification across regions. While unconfirmed, such technology would make their cases even more airtight.

I wish more retail chains took such care to record merchant-level data. As ecommerce sellers, we must be our own loss prevention team. Accurate inventory records and visibility into anomalies is key for us.

Consequences of Getting Caught Shoplifting at Walmart

Walmart‘s aggressive prosecution of shoplifters serves as a stern warning. Those caught can face:

• On-site arrest when apprehended by loss prevention staff

• Felony criminal charges depending on extent of theft and past offenses

• Fines up to $2,500 for higher-value shoplifting instances

• Potential jail time from 1 year up to 10 years, based on state laws

• Lifetime ban from all Walmart locations, with trespassing charges if violated

• A damaging permanent criminal record

"We showed no mercy, especially to those we caught repeatedly," Joseph confided about his former loss prevention role. "It was our job to make sure they got the book thrown at them."

While shoplifting may seem minor, a felony conviction can ruin job prospects, credit, and mobility for life. The consequences simply aren‘t worth the risk at Walmart.

What To Do If You Are Wrongfully Accused

Mistakes do happen, and honest shoppers may be accused by mistake. If this occurs:

• Stay calm and cooperative, but firmly state your innocence. Never get defensive.

• Ask to review surveillance footage to clear up the confusion.

• Request evidence of your alleged offense from the store.

• Consult a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and avoid self-incrimination.

• Follow your lawyer‘s advice on how to demonstrate your innocence.

Explain that you intend to fully cooperate and appreciate if they re-evaluate their claim. Don‘t deny obvious evidence, but emphasize if their records are mistaken.

While false accusations are rare with Walmart‘s extensive video coverage, following the proper legal channels is critical if it happens.

The Takeaway: Don‘t Shoplift From Walmart!

Given Walmart‘s committed crackdown on shoplifting, it‘s strongly advised you avoid attempting it – even once. The odds of getting caught are high, and prosecution will be aggressive. The potential felony charges, jail time, and lifetime Walmart ban simply aren‘t worth the small upside.

This reminder holds true for sellers as well. While retail theft may seem like easy extra income, you‘d be risking your livelihood and freedom. Walmart‘s coordinated retailer databases even raise the chances you‘d be identified and prosecuted if you targeted multiple stores.

Hopefully this inside look at Walmart‘s fierce stance against shoplifting shows why going down that road is a terrible idea for sellers and shoppers alike. Thanks for reading and remaining on the right side of the law!