LogFAQs > #961025880

Ok, so this all varies from state to state like so many things but at least I found the answer for my state and why the hoards are not decending down apon my local safeway etc.

• Theft 3rd Degree or Simple Theft (9A.56.050 or similar city ordinance): The theft of property or services with a value of less than $750. Theft 3rd Degree or simple theft is the charge filed on most Washington shoplifting cases.
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• Theft 3rd Degree is a Gross Misdemeanor and punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. RCW 9.92.020.

So basically ANY theft of ANYTHING under 750$ can get you a 3rd degree theft charge and up to a year in jail and a $5k fine. So yeah, that will def stop your average homless guy from shoplifting. Still a bit more research to do about actually stopping/apprehending shoplifters (since if you can't stop them, they just need to make sure there are no police around and then they can get away with anything. There are so many people living in cars etc, that could just run in, grab food, run out, get in the car and drive away (never to return to that store again), that I would STILL imagine it would be a problem.

There must be more protections but at least now I know that rando people can't just walk in, grab $150 worth of crab and leave with no consequences lol (Hey I love crab!).