Safeway Shoplifting Policy (Loss Prevention, Cameras, Tracking, Collections, etc.)
Shoplifting is a major problem for many retail and grocery stores, and many of these businesses are limited in how they handle store security.
If you’re a Safeway customer, you’re probably wondering what their theft policy is. If so, read on to find out what I learned!
Safeway Shoplifting Policy
How Safeway handles shoplifters varies by store and the province or state in which the store is located. While some Safeway stores employ security guards and regularly check for shoplifters, other Safeway stores are limited in how they deal with shoplifters and cannot always prevent theft.
If you want to learn more about how Safeway approaches shoplifters, whether they use surveillance cameras, whether they file charges, and more, read on for more helpful information.
Will Safeway approach thieves?
Safeway associates in most stores follow very strict rules when it comes to apprehending shoplifters.
For example, Safeway cashiers are not allowed to approach suspected shoplifters. Instead, they are asked to report their suspicions to a supervisor or manager, who will then monitor the situation.
If a shopper appears to be stealing (for example, filling a cart and heading for the exit), management must approach and confront the shopper before they leave the store.
However, if shoplifters manage to leave Safeway before a manager confronts them, Safeway cannot pursue the perpetrator or pursue the matter further.
Can Safeway employees arrest shoplifters?
Safeway employees who are not managers or supervisors must not approach shoplifters within the company.
If cashiers spot theft, they will report it to the store manager.
Also, if a cashier or other lower-level employee approaches a shoplifter, they may be disciplined or even fired for doing so.
This rule was put in place to prevent employee injuries. There is a risk of armed pickpockets and Safeway does not allow unsafe conditions.
Employee safety always outweighs the value of damage from shoplifting, as Safeway considers employee injury as worth as much as their product.
According to a current Safeway employee, if the value of the stolen item is less than $900, the Safeway manager may not take further action and instead issue them a ticket.
However, other Safeway stores have a tougher attitude towards pickpockets.
Usually, they will be required to pay a fine and not be allowed to re-enter the store for a period of time.
How does Safeway deal with shoplifters?
If Safeway manages to apprehend a shoplifter before he leaves the store, they will handle the situation differently depending on the amount stolen and the manager’s discretion.
According to two previous pickpockets, some Safeway stores will require pickpockets to enter the manager’s office. This is usually handled discreetly by security or administrative personnel.
Once management has calculated the value of the stolen amount, they will decide how to proceed, and usually require the thief to pay a fine.
Safeway requires shoplifters to pay a fine of $50 to $500. The amount shoplifters have to pay will depend on the value of the item they stole.
An example of a Safeway shoplifter cost the perpetrator a $300 fine for $50 worth of theft. The amount to be paid will arrive by mail and must be done by a certain time.
Safeway may impose a company-wide ban on shoplifters after disciplinary action against shoplifters.
Depending on the severity of the shoplifting, a ban can range from 1 year to a lifetime. Safeway may also require shoplifters to sign a document confessing the theft.
Does Safeway Press charge for pickpockets?
Depending on the seriousness of the situation, Safeway may decide to charge shoplifters.
However, they usually warn against shoplifters.
If a shoplifter does not return to a store during the ban, Safeway will generally not pursue the matter further and may not notify local authorities.
In addition, Safeway may exercise its right to bring civil action against shoplifters in court if the amount Safeway demands from shoplifters is not paid by the due date.
It is rare for a shoplifter to be tried by Safeway. However, shoppers who may be tempted to steal should know that Safeway reserves the right to press charges if the fine is paid in full.
Does Safeway use surveillance cameras?
Safeway does have surveillance cameras, according to multiple Safeway employees. However, many stores do not closely monitor their cameras and rarely check recordings.
For this reason, shoplifters often go undetected at Safeway stores, making some locations more likely to be stolen than others with closely monitored security.
Many Safeway stores regularly monitor their security cameras, and some Safeway stores regularly employ security guards to prevent any theft.
However, if a customer suspects anything amiss or unsafe about a shopper, they can discreetly approach a store employee or manager and voice their concerns.
If you want to learn more about Safeway, you can also check out our related posts on whether Safeway finds receipts, whether Safeway prices match, and about the benefits of the Safeway Club Card.
in conclusion
How Safeway handles shoplifting varies by store location.small
Some Safeway stores employ security guards and regularly monitor their cameras to keep an eye out for shoppers who look suspicious so they can be apprehended.
However, some Safeway stores are less concerned with shoplifting and more focused on employee safety by not allowing employees to apprehend shoplifters.
Only managers, supervisors and security personnel are allowed near.
