Caught Red-Handed: What Happens When Someone Steals at Walmart and Is Arrested
Witnessing a theft at a Walmart can be a disturbing experience, especially when caught in the act. In the case of the hardware counter incident I witnessed, an asset protection associate intervened when two teenagers tried to steal.
Their grandmother, defending them with a mix of anger and pride, insisted that she would have provided for the items. She even took the time to make the young ladies apologize to both the asset protection associate and me, emphasizing the moral value of honest labor. As an asset protection officer, it reminded me of the multiple times I had to address such incidents, driven to ensure fair play within the Walmart ecosystem.
High Incidence of Reported Incidents and Police Involvement
According to industry analysis, a significant percentage of theft cases at Walmart result in police involvement. This is especially true for cases involving felony-level offenses, which vary by local jurisdictional statutes. My experience involved many such incidents, leading to an overwhelming sense of dread whenever I visited Walmart for work-related tasks, including the apprehension of customers or cross-checking IDs for suspected scammers.
Typically, the store’s security team handles the initial apprehension, before turning the case over to law enforcement. Based on the severity and prior offenses, the police might take varied actions. This usually means arrest or minor fines. In the city where I worked, the standard procedure was to arrest the suspect, unless it was their first offense and the theft was of a non-felony amount.
Consequences of Being Caught at Walmart
The ramifications for someone caught stealing at Walmart are staggering and long-lasting. Beyond immediate apprehension, the individual stands to face legal and personal repercussions. Specifically, theft at Walmart can lead to:
Job Loss: Theft charges often result in the perpetrator losing their employment along with the underlying job. Law Enforcement Involvement: The individual will be fingerprinted and may face criminal charges, potentially leading to a conviction. permanent Ban: The perpetrator will be permanently barred from all Walmart and associated retail company properties. Legal Penalties: In addition to imprisonment and fines, individuals may face additional legal fees and court costs.Insights from a Loss Prevention Professional
My brother, a Loss Prevention supervisor for Walmart for two decades, provided case-based insights into the handling of such incidents. He recounted instances where he would call the police to handle the confrontation, only for the police to review the situation before making a decision on the appropriate course of action.
The intricate details of each case varies, yet the overarching truth remains: Walmart’s commitment to asset protection runs very deep, often leading to legal involvement and severe consequences for those who attempt to defraud the company.