Dollar General Shoplifting Policy (Everything You Need to Know)
Prices at Dollar General stores are competitive, helping shoppers save money and save time when shopping nearby.
However, they also attract a lot of shoplifters, so how does Dollar General deal with its merchandise being stolen? Here’s everything you need to know about Dollar General’s shoplifting policy!
Dollar General Shoplifting Policy
Dollar General has an in-store surveillance system to deter shoplifters, and each store has the ability to bill shoplifters according to the laws of their state. However, Dollar General’s written shoplifting policy states that no employee may touch a shoplifter or leave the store in pursuit of a shoplifter.
Want to learn more about how Dollar General tracks shoplifters and its policies? Read on to find out everything you need to know!
How does Dollar General track down the thief?
Dollar General’s low-priced products attract thieves because they offer little security.
Therefore, the company invested in an interactive security monitoring service to prevent further loss of goods and profits.
The security monitoring system includes surveillance cameras, monitored by off-site agents.
If those agents notice any suspicious activity, Dollar General employees will be notified so they can tell shoppers there are cameras over speakers.
Safety services also include a panic button and a two-way phone designed to assist employees in distress.
However, the surveillance system does not have facial recognition technology (like the one Walmart is using).
So while shoplifters can be tracked inside Dollar General’s stores, their identities cannot be obtained using surveillance cameras.
Are there cameras outside Dollar General?
No, Dollar General does not have security cameras outside its stores. So if the thieves get away, it’s impossible to determine what mode of transportation they used or which direction they’re headed.
This appears to be a flaw in Dollar General’s monitoring system.
But since Dollar General employees are told not to chase pickpockets after they leave the store for their own safety, there is little need to track pickpockets once they leave the store.
Does Dollar General have loss prevention features?
Yes, Dollar General does have loss prevention in place and employs loss prevention managers and general directors at the regional and departmental levels.
Their job is to protect Dollar General stores from losses accruing from lost inventory. Shoplifting is a big part of the role.
Loss Prevention staff will advise on security measures, investigate incidents of theft, and coordinate with Dollar General management and government agencies to ensure that all loss prevention strategies are appropriate and legal.
According to some past loss-prevention employees at Dollar General, most of the measures taken in-store came after a shoplifting incident.
Does Dollar General have security?
Yes, Dollar General does have security on site. The company tends to add security staff in areas where theft is rampant. You’ll often see guards at public entrances or exits from stores.
Can the Dollar General Staff Carry Guns to Prevent Shoplifting?
Dollar General prohibits employees from carrying firearms while on duty, even for self-defense. Also, they cannot use firearms to prevent theft or other store-related crimes.
Possession of a firearm or similar weapon by a Dollar General team member will result in immediate dismissal.
Is Dollar General Staff Lone-Trade?
While Dollar General employees may trade individually during business hours, Dollar General’s 2019 Employee Handbook states that at least two employees must be actively involved in the closing process to maximize their safety.
To learn more about Dollar General, you can also review our posts on whether Dollar General is suing shoplifters, Dollar General’s termination and exit policy, and Dollar General’s bereavement policy.
in conclusion
Dollar General’s shoplifting policy states that employees should not approach suspected shoplifters or pursue them after they leave the store. However, there are a few security measures in place to help deter and prevent theft within Dollar General stores. These include surveillance systems that track suspected shoplifters.
Any customer who shoplifts at a Dollar General store will be prosecuted under the laws of the state where the offense occurred.
