Target shoplifting policy (no chase, detention, security, etc.)
With hundreds of customers visiting its big box stores every day, Target is an easy target for pickpockets, who are able to sneak out with stolen items without being detected.
So when it comes to security and theft prevention, you might be wondering – what is Target’s shoplifting policy? Here’s what I found out through research!
Target Shoplifting Policy
Target employs a strict shoplifting policy to prevent and resolve shoplifting at its stores. This involves surveillance systems with facial recognition, loss prevention security and multiple deterrence tactics. Punishments range from paperwork and fines to shop bans and police involvement.
If you want to learn more about whether Target detains shoplifters, whether it has a no chase policy, and whether Target can prosecute shoplifters, keep reading!
What is Target’s shoplifting policy?
Target has a strict shoplifting policy, and each store has security personnel and surveillance systems in place to identify and apprehend shoplifters.
If the theft is significant or if a dangerous item has been stolen, Target will involve the police and prevent future entry for the pickpocket.
However, be aware that Target has a no-chase policy on pickpockets leaving the store and attempting to escape for everyone’s safety.
Does Target have surveillance security cameras installed in stores?
Target has an extensive security system in its stores, including 24/7 surveillance security cameras.
The cameras feature facial recognition technology and image analysis software to help companies prevent and track shoplifting.
As a result, customers are under constant video surveillance from the moment they enter the store and, in some cases, even CCTV in the on-site car park.
Can Target stop thieves?
Target’s asset protection security personnel often don’t stop a suspected shoplifter until they have left the store.
However, they can obtain an “exit differential” authorization from the head of the asset protection team, requiring security staff to stop people in certain circumstances.
Typically, for this to occur, the person must be observed approaching, taking and hiding the item, and then observed purposefully passing by where the item was last paid for.
Can the target detain the thief?
Targeted security officers in charge of asset protection do have general authority to detain someone as long as they have reasonable evidence.
If Target security personnel witness a theft and notice that a customer has left the store without paying for an item, they can ask the customer to step aside or enter a back room to investigate.
Can Target search shoppers’ bags for shoplifting?
As long as the program is voluntary and the customer agrees, Target can inspect your shopping bags if it suspects shoplifting.
However, they cannot search your personal items such as clothing or wallets.
Security guards at Target tend to approach thieves in a more intimidating manner, trying to convince the pickpocket to leave the item in the store and leave without taking it.
Does Target have a no chase policy for thieves?
Target’s in-store security personnel are not allowed to chase shoplifters trying to escape.
The company has a strict “no chase” policy, so if a shoplifter tries to escape, Target security must follow behind at a safe distance while keeping an eye out.
At the same time, Target security personnel can relay that information to the police, who are then tasked with catching the thief.
Why doesn’t Target have a chase policy on thieves?
For security reasons, Target does not pursue pickpockets outside stores.
The company is prioritizing the safety of its employees and customers, leaving police to deal with dangerous situations that may escalate.
Additionally, if a suspected customer is not actually shoplifting, they can sue the company, taking unnecessary responsibility for the mistake.
Any request to view a purchase receipt or inspect the contents of a shopping bag while the customer is leaving the store is entirely voluntary and they must agree to show proof of purchase.
Does Target Press charge for shoplifting?
Target cannot accuse shoplifters of stealing merchandise from its stores.
It can file a police report or ask the prosecutor’s office to get involved, but the company does not have the authority to press any charges against individuals directly.
Depending on your local state law, Target can issue a civil demand letter after an incident of theft, seeking monetary damages, which you can pay or ignore and risk filing a small claims case against you.
Did Target file a lawsuit against the thief?
According to some Target employees, the company can open cases against repeat shoplifters.
To reduce theft in its retail stores, Target has a strategic approach to counter shoplifters.
Target typically doesn’t immediately arrest shoplifters who repeatedly steal merchandise from stores, but instead waits for the total value of the stolen merchandise to reach a certain amount to qualify for a felony-level charge.
While Target’s policy doesn’t explicitly spell out this approach, employees have attested to the practice in some places.
Does Target track thieves?
To help prevent loss, some Target stores will keep a binder containing surveillance camera images of shoplifters who have been identified but not caught.
Additionally, Target also tracks stolen items and the date the theft occurred should a future legal case require this evidence.
What to do if you get caught shoplifting at Target?
It depends on the store and state laws, but in general, if you get caught serious shoplifting at Target, one of three things will happen:
- Asset Protection Security will detain you and attempt to resolve the issue in-store
- You could be banned from the store entirely, and the consequences could be more serious if you try to get around this ban
- The police may be involved and depending on the monetary value of the theft, you may be fined or charged
If an item is abandoned and returned to the store, take and document photos of the item before it is restocked into the store.
However, if an item cannot be restocked due to damage or soiling, the store will require a full refund of the item’s value.
How do you prosecute shoplifters once they’ve been targeted?
If the police intervene to prosecute, shoplifters can face felony shoplifting charges if the merchandise is worth more than a minimum amount (usually between $500 and $1,000 in most states).
However, shoplifters may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony if the amount stolen is less than $500, and the charge of shoplifting may also be classified as petty theft or other types of theft.
How serious is shoplifting at Target?
Target takes loss prevention very seriously, with offices in Las Vegas and Minneapolis, and operates one of the top forensic laboratories in the United States.
The company uses these services to solve organized crime through video and image analysis, fingerprinting and computer forensics.
In short, Target has a team of senior loss prevention enforcement officers who will do everything in their power to prevent and discourage shoplifting.
Additionally, the severity of the punishment and involvement of law enforcement will depend on the extent of the theft and the perpetrator—Target tends to be more lenient with first-time offenders and disenfranchised community members.
How does Target stop shoplifting?
Target has a very aggressive campaign to deter shoplifters.
Some exits have video surveillance, plainclothes store security guards and uniformed personnel to deter any shoplifters.
Additionally, Target employees throughout its stores are trained to notice potential shoplifting activity and use non-aggressive methods to stop it, such as approaching customers and asking if they need any help finding items.
To learn more, you can check out our other posts on whether Target monitors their cameras, Best Buy’s shoplifting policy, and Kroger’s shoplifting policy.
Conclusion: Policies Against Shoplifting
Target has an extensive shoplifting policy in place to prevent theft from its stores, including video surveillance and security systems, security personnel and theft tracking.
It has a no-chase policy, but shoplifters can be detained if caught stealing and barred from future access to the store. In more serious cases, police would be embroiled in shoplifting felony charges.
