LogFAQs > #961029135

Zeus posted...

I imagine most chains have a policy against non-security accosting shoplifters. Pretty sure they call the cops regardless, with the possible exception of black suspects since they don't want the negative PR resulting from something going wrong.

Anecdotally, I've certainly heard retail employees and managers mention being discouraged from touching shoplifters. However, if somebody can confront a shoplifter without touching them -- and the shoplifter doesn't know they're safe like that -- they can walk them somewhere until the cops show.

If it's not a chain, you can be in trouble. Some of those guys might do a lot more than hold you until the police arrive.

Certain states have a law that allows them to accost shoplifters etc. Though it's hard to find a list of which states it is. In those states they have the right to protect themselves and their property.

But yeah, i would imagine it's far more dangerous to shoplift from a small store with just 1 or 2 employees and possible the owner actually being there, then doing so from a chain store/grocery store etc.

This is just 1 more thing that kinda makes it almost easier to be homless (or jobless at least) then to try and work to support yourself, at least if the jobs you qualify for are anywhere near min wage.

In my area not only do they have homeless shelters, but they offer free places for people to live who are homeless etc, and supposedly they are building alot more of them. IF you still needed to try and find a way to feed yourself or get entertainment items like a TV etc, then that would still make your life worse.

Instead, at least it appears like, people with no job/money can literally just walk out of stores with stuff. They can eat better then people who are working at the stores they are shoplifting from, and then return to a place that might be better then most min-wage makers can live at.

It's kinda screwed up.