Walgreens Shoplifting Policy [Cameras, Prosecution, Tracking + More]
Walgreens is one of the largest drugstore chains in the United States, with more than 8,000 stores in 50 states.
Because of this, it has had to deal with a lot of shoplifting, so you might be wondering how it handles those. So what is Walgreens’ shoplifting policy?
Here’s what I learned from Walgreens employees!
Walgreens Shoplifting Policy
Walgreens has a “no chase” policy on shoplifting. It does not search for and block suspected shoplifters, nor does it attempt to block confirmed shoplifters. However, once the shoplifter leaves the store, 24/7 CCTV camera footage and details are provided to police for investigation. Walgreens also filed charges against shoplifters.
You might wonder why Walgreens doesn’t stop shoplifters in its stores, and how it does so in the first place. Read on to find out why this is the case!
What is Walgreens’ “No Chase” policy regarding shoplifting?
Walgreens’ “No Chase” policy on shoplifting requires employees not to interfere with anyone known to be shoplifting.
Even if store employees see someone blatantly carrying goods outside the store without paying for them, they should not try to stop the thief or retrieve stolen goods.
Do Walgreens stores have surveillance cameras?
Yes, all Walgreens stores have surveillance cameras installed in every part of the store, including registers, shelves and storage rooms.
These cameras are covered by one-way mirrors or virtual domes, so there is no way to detect which direction the camera is pointing.
These cameras work around the clock and are monitored by a central security service. Footage is saved for an extended period of time, so footage of past events can be restored and viewed.
However, maintaining the camera system is the responsibility of each store and its manager. As a result, some employees have reported that certain stores do not have well-maintained or even non-functioning camera systems.
Will Walgreens employees stop and search suspected shoplifters?
No, Walgreens employees are not permitted to stop and search customers on suspicion that they may be shoplifting.
In many cases, trying to check to see if customers were shoplifting resulted in employees losing their jobs at Walgreens.
Will Walgreens notify police of shoplifting incidents?
Yes, Walgreens does notify the police of shoplifting incidents. Since it has a no-chase policy, employees don’t intervene when the person is out with stolen goods.
However, they must report the incident to police, providing video footage of the shoplifting and any details about those involved. Police then use this information to investigate and try to track down the shoplifter.
How does Walgreens sue shoplifters once they get caught?
If police apprehend a pickpocket known to shoplift at Walgreens, they will be charged based on the scale of the crime.
For example, Washington state divides shoplifting into the following three categories:
- If the total value of the stolen items is less than $750, the crime is considered third-degree theft and offenders can be fined up to $5,000, jailed for up to one year, or both.
- Crimes with a total value between $751 and $4,999 constitute second-degree larceny (a Class C felony) punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
- Crimes totaling more than $5,000 constitute larceny in the first degree (a Class B felony), punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $20,000, or both.
Other states follow similar classifications based on the total value of stolen goods.
How does Walgreens prevent shoplifting?
On the face of it, Walgreens’ shoplifting policy doesn’t appear to stop people from stealing from its stores.
However, Walgreens does take steps to discourage people from shoplifting.
For example, Walgreens employees are told to clearly say “Welcome to Walgreens!” to every customer entering the store and “Be well!” to everyone leaving.
This makes customers aware that employees are always around and notice their presence.
Also, employees are required to follow customers around and assist them from time to time.
Having an employee tail you “to help you” can be a powerful deterrent to would-be shoplifters.
Why does Walgreens have a “no chase” policy for thieves?
The main reason Walgreens has a no chase policy is to protect its employees and customers from harm of any kind.
Intervening with shoplifters and trying to stop or confront them can lead to escalation and physical confrontation.
In some cases, pickpockets even use carry guns.
This puts the health and lives of Walgreens employees and other customers at risk.
It could also lead to damage and liability for other items in the store, adding to the overall damage Walgreens faces.
Therefore, employees must not intervene or attempt to retrieve stolen items.
Another reason Walgreens doesn’t allow its employees to stop and search suspected shoplifters is to avoid lawsuits in the event that customers aren’t shoplifting.
If customers are offended by employees who think they’re shoplifting, they could end up suing Walgreens. This would result in unnecessary liability and expense for Walgreens.
The only course of action recommended for Walgreens employees is to allow the shoplifter (suspected or confirmed) to walk out undisturbed and then report the incident to the police and Walgreens management.
To learn more, you can also review our posts on Dollar General’s shoplifting policy and Walmart’s shoplifting policy.
Plus, you can read our guide on Walgreens stats and trends, and learn how Walgreens is dealing with online competition.
in conclusion
Walgreens has a “no chase” policy, meaning that it doesn’t allow its employees to stop and search for suspected shoplifters, or to intervene when it becomes apparent that someone is stealing.
However, once a shoplifter walks out of the store, it reports the incident to police, providing video footage and identifying information. Footage is recorded 24/7 by CCTV cameras installed throughout the store.
