Is it Okay to Steal

[Southern_Hospitality]

...at Walmart!



NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Wal-Mart is moving away from what it called a zero-tolerance policy on prosecuting shoplifters and will now only prosecute anyone caught taking merchandise worth $25 or more, according to a published report.

The New York Times reports the change in policy, citing internal documents from Wal-Mart that say it will now only press charges against those between the ages of 18 and 64 who take at least $25 worth of goods. Formerly its policy was to press charges against anyone who took at least $3 in goods.
Wal-Mart is reportedly changing its zero-tolerance policy on shoplifters.
Wal-Mart is reportedly changing its zero-tolerance policy on shoplifters.

The paper said the change in policy will allow Wal-Mart to concentrate on theft by professional shoplifters and its own employees. The paper said those two groups steal the bulk of merchandise from the chain.

"If I have somebody being paid $12 an hour processing a $5 theft, I have just lost money," J. P. Suarez, who is in charge of asset protection at Wal-Mart, told the paper. "I have also lost the time to catch somebody stealing $100 or an organized group stealing $3,000."

Wal-Mart told the paper it would closely track shoplifters it did not have arrested, and would ask that they be prosecuted after a second incident. It will also seek the prosecution of all suspected shoplifters who threaten violence or fail to produce identification, no matter how much they are trying to steal, according to the report, which said professional shoplifters often do not carry ID in order to avoid arrest.

The change will also put the company's policy in line with most of its major competitors.

The paper said that the change also will answer complaints of small-town police departments across the country who have protested the previous zero-tolerance policy. At some stores police were making up to six arrests a day, according to the report, which said some departments had to hire extra officers just to handle the Wal-Mart arrests.

The paper said it was given the documents detailing the new policy by WakeUpWalMart.com, an anti-Wal-Mart group that told the paper it received the documents from a former employee at the chain who is unhappy with the new policy.

[ModestMouse]

...at Walmart!



NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Wal-Mart is moving away from what it called a zero-tolerance policy on prosecuting shoplifters and will now only prosecute anyone caught taking merchandise worth $25 or more, according to a published report.

The New York Times reports the change in policy, citing internal documents from Wal-Mart that say it will now only press charges against those between the ages of 18 and 64 who take at least $25 worth of goods. Formerly its policy was to press charges against anyone who took at least $3 in goods.
Wal-Mart is reportedly changing its zero-tolerance policy on shoplifters.
Wal-Mart is reportedly changing its zero-tolerance policy on shoplifters.

The paper said the change in policy will allow Wal-Mart to concentrate on theft by professional shoplifters and its own employees. The paper said those two groups steal the bulk of merchandise from the chain.

"If I have somebody being paid $12 an hour processing a $5 theft, I have just lost money," J. P. Suarez, who is in charge of asset protection at Wal-Mart, told the paper. "I have also lost the time to catch somebody stealing $100 or an organized group stealing $3,000."

Wal-Mart told the paper it would closely track shoplifters it did not have arrested, and would ask that they be prosecuted after a second incident. It will also seek the prosecution of all suspected shoplifters who threaten violence or fail to produce identification, no matter how much they are trying to steal, according to the report, which said professional shoplifters often do not carry ID in order to avoid arrest.

The change will also put the company's policy in line with most of its major competitors.

The paper said that the change also will answer complaints of small-town police departments across the country who have protested the previous zero-tolerance policy. At some stores police were making up to six arrests a day, according to the report, which said some departments had to hire extra officers just to handle the Wal-Mart arrests.

The paper said it was given the documents detailing the new policy by WakeUpWalMart.com, an anti-Wal-Mart group that told the paper it received the documents from a former employee at the chain who is unhappy with the new policy.

This is nuts. So anyone can steal now. That is what they are saying. It is ok, because you wont be prosecuted. I know Walmart is making money, they must be reeling in the cash.

[Cubs84]

I am a teacher so I have most of the summer off. I decided a couple of summers ago to apply at our local Walmart for a job. I went online and it gave me a phone number to complete my application. The majority of the ap was a questionare in which you had to answer how often you stole and how much the merchandise was. That was it for me. I hung up and didn't complete the application. I had never heard of anything so crazy.

It is wrong to steal, period.


Its all about money. They are willing to put up with stealing on a small level even though it is amoral so long as it doesnt get too big and effect the bottom line. Wow Walmart is as evil as portrayed on FAMILY GUY! Member that SEEK

[restling]

Its all about money. They are willing to put up with stealing on a small level even though it is amoral so long as it doesnt get too big and effect the bottom line. Wow Walmart is as evil as portrayed on FAMILY GUY! Member that SEEK

It's a company protecting it's interest. They don't write law, that's for the politicians, or if your a dem, the judges.

They aren't advocationg stealing.

[Cubs84]

actually they are. They are saying its ok to steal as long as it isnt for a lot of money, because we dont have time to prosecute small timers. Whats next its ok that you shot him he was a homeless person or he didnt have any money or any family. I mean if I have to investigate EVERY murder I cant be available for the big important crimes ya know like if it happens to someone rich or important. Thats the EXACT line of thinking walmart is using

[restling]

actually they are. They are saying its ok to steal as long as it isnt for a lot of money, because we dont have time to prosecute small timers. Whats next its ok that you shot him he was a homeless person or he didnt have any money or any family. I mean if I have to investigate EVERY murder I cant be available for the big important crimes ya know like if it happens to someone rich or important. Thats the EXACT line of thinking walmart is using


It's their business. If it's not cost effective to prosecute small claims that is their loss. Why do you care if they lose money. They aren't telling people to go out and commit crimes.

[restling]

I can't believe that you just said that the next step after walmart not going after someone who stole a five dollar piece of candy, is someone shooting a person. And this is Walmarts fault somehow?

[Cubs84]

I can't believe that you just said that the next step after walmart not going after someone who stole a five dollar piece of candy, is someone shooting a person. And this is Walmarts fault somehow?

a few steps in between but I just think its kind of hypocritical thats all but I guess when you delve into the law its only a felony if its over 200 bucks anyway...but wait isnt this a wrestling site?

[josh]

People should know stealing is wrong anyway. It does seem a bit silly prosucting someone for stealing a pack of gum doesn't it tho. I can see why they would not want to wast time and money on that. It is just like if a cop pulled you over for speeding when your only 2 over pointless.

[Grappler177]

People should know stealing is wrong anyway. It does seem a bit silly prosucting someone for stealing a pack of gum doesn't it tho. I can see why they would not want to wast time and money on that. It is just like if a cop pulled you over for speeding when your only 2 over pointless.

But what if you were only speeding 2 MPH over then shot a homeless guy? Damn Wal Mart!

[Thumbcrusher]

Question: In that article, where does it say walmart advocates stealing under $25? The point for them and MANY other retailers is that it is not worth it to them or the police and communities they serve, to prosecute all of these small thefts (most all companies have a rule like this). I've worked this industry for over ten years and this is not at all un-common. Could you imagine how upset/pissed the Chicago area police would be if all the local retailers started calling them for all thefts over $3? My local police are disturbed if I call them for something so petty. The company I work for would be pissed if I ended up processing, prosecuting theft for $3. It would waste my time and my companies time. What if this person decided to fight the $3 theft charge and I have to waste time in court, company lawyers, etc...?
Communities don't want their officers tied up with these small time (amateur) thefts. Without arguing this to the death, there are many more scenarios, and examples that could be used, but quit trying to read something into it that its not. Also, I hate WalMart and really hope they fail, so I am in no way partisan to them at all. However, I am knowledgable about the retail security industry.

[Analizer17]

...at Walmart!



NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Wal-Mart is moving away from what it called a zero-tolerance policy on prosecuting shoplifters and will now only prosecute anyone caught taking merchandise worth $25 or more, according to a published report.

The New York Times reports the change in policy, citing internal documents from Wal-Mart that say it will now only press charges against those between the ages of 18 and 64 who take at least $25 worth of goods. Formerly its policy was to press charges against anyone who took at least $3 in goods.
Wal-Mart is reportedly changing its zero-tolerance policy on shoplifters.
Wal-Mart is reportedly changing its zero-tolerance policy on shoplifters.

The paper said the change in policy will allow Wal-Mart to concentrate on theft by professional shoplifters and its own employees. The paper said those two groups steal the bulk of merchandise from the chain.

"If I have somebody being paid $12 an hour processing a $5 theft, I have just lost money," J. P. Suarez, who is in charge of asset protection at Wal-Mart, told the paper. "I have also lost the time to catch somebody stealing $100 or an organized group stealing $3,000."

Wal-Mart told the paper it would closely track shoplifters it did not have arrested, and would ask that they be prosecuted after a second incident. It will also seek the prosecution of all suspected shoplifters who threaten violence or fail to produce identification, no matter how much they are trying to steal, according to the report, which said professional shoplifters often do not carry ID in order to avoid arrest.

The change will also put the company's policy in line with most of its major competitors.

The paper said that the change also will answer complaints of small-town police departments across the country who have protested the previous zero-tolerance policy. At some stores police were making up to six arrests a day, according to the report, which said some departments had to hire extra officers just to handle the Wal-Mart arrests.

The paper said it was given the documents detailing the new policy by WakeUpWalMart.com, an anti-Wal-Mart group that told the paper it received the documents from a former employee at the chain who is unhappy with the new policy.

It might just be a bait, so that people try to steal then they can press charges and make money.

[DawgeatDawg2]

It might just be a bait, so that people try to steal then they can press charges and make money.

It's really something they should have kept under wraps.

[Analizer17]

Yeah, either they are trying to bait people, or they just don't care.

[oldpioneer]

It's really something they should have kept under wraps.


Exactly what I was thinking. If that is your policy fine, but why announce it. I think it sends a wrong message to people.

[oldpioneer]

I am a teacher so I have most of the summer off. I decided a couple of summers ago to apply at our local Walmart for a job. I went online and it gave me a phone number to complete my application. The majority of the ap was a questionare in which you had to answer how often you stole and how much the merchandise was. That was it for me. I hung up and didn't complete the application. I had never heard of anything so crazy.

It is wrong to steal, period.


Most retail places give the same test. Usually those questions are designed to see how honest and consistent you are. For example, they sometimes ask the same question twice in a different way. If you answer differently.........you are frontin

[Analizer17]

Most retail places give the same test. Usually those questions are designed to see how honest and consistent you are. For example, they sometimes ask the same question twice in a different way. If you answer differently.........you are frontin

They are very tricky and sly. But as long as you don't lie you are safe.

[oldpioneer]

True, to a point, I mean.......to be honest if they asked me if I have ever lied or stolen, my answer is yes, yes.......honestly.........of course it was way over 7 years ago. :)

[DawgeatDawg2]

There has to be people that will try to steal under $25 every time they walk in the door now.

[oldpioneer]

There has to be people that will try to steal under $25 every time they walk in the door now.

It's a cd, same thing a record was in the 70's.

[oldpioneer]

Plus, it can't just be let go, if they are minors I am SURE they call parents. If its a guy they must at least take them in the back and embaress the heck out of him. Grill him under the light!!!!

[Cubs84]

Exactly what I was thinking. If that is your policy fine, but why announce it. I think it sends a wrong message to people.


does anyone have any idea how much power that organization wields?

[Jim Edmonds]

There has to be people that will try to steal under $25 every time they walk in the door now.

The article states that they will keep records and prosecute offenders the 2nd time they are caught, regardless of $ amount.

[Ace]

The article states that they will keep records and prosecute offenders the 2nd time they are caught, regardless of $ amount.

He must have been suffering from post concussion syndrome. :D

[Thumbcrusher]

You guys have missed an important sentence in that message it read, "Wal-Mart told the paper it would closely track shoplifters it did not have arrested, and would ask that they be prosecuted after a second incident." I have video and pictures of people who I didn't bust the first time I saw them steal because of one reason or another (dollar amount being one of them, product being taken is another, etc...), but I may nail you the second time your in there stealing. It's easy to justify if your a repeat offender and you are stealing something worth busting you for. It's a fact, everybody pays more for almost everything they buy because people steal. The bottom line is people shouldn't be out there stealing from anybody, period. Everybody pays for it when we purchase our things honestly, whether its razor blades or Levi's, the thiefs make things more expensive for us all by stealing.