Does Walmart Build Cases On Shoplifters?

Walmart loses $3 billion a year to shoplifting. So, it’s no wonder they have such an extensive system for preventing theft and catching the perpetrators.

Recently, retailers like Walmart have been pushing for harsher charges on shoplifters to prevent such losses. To do this, Walmart is successfully building cases on repeat offenders.

Does Walmart Build Cases On Shoplifters?   

Walmart builds cases on shoplifters for thefts worth over $25. Walmart hires Loss Prevention Associates, which profiles and recognizes repeat shoplifters. Footage from surveillance cameras is never deleted, and all transaction records are checked and filed. All of this can be used to build cases against shoplifters. 

How Much Do You Have To Steal From Walmart For a Case To Be Built?

Typically, Walmart doesn’t press charges or detain those caught shoplifting when the value of the items stolen is less than $25.

In this case, they will encourage you to return the items and leave the store. If the value of what you have stolen is between $1000-$2000, then this is a class 6 felony.

This could result in the perpetrator looking between 1-5 years in jail, a fine of up to $2500, and no more than 12 months in prison. Anything above $2000 is a class 5 felony and could result in a jail sentence of up to 10 years.  

Does Walmart Have a Database of Shoplifters?

If you are arrested for shoplifting at Walmart, that arrest will be kept in Walmart’s records.

Walmart keeps good track of any incidents in their stores and can check if shoplifters have previously been charged with shoplifting at Walmart.

Additionally, Walmart keeps photos of shoplifters, and Loss Prevention Associates are aware of their store’s repeat offenders.  

What Is A Loss Prevention Associate?

A Loss Prevention Associate is responsible for recognizing and reducing theft in retail stores. They often patrol the store, note suspicious behavior, and blend in with other customers.

That is because they usually wear street clothes so they don’t draw attention to themselves.

They are responsible for apprehending shoplifters once they have left the store, filing reports on shoplifting incidents, and creating theft prevention strategies.  

How Long Does Walmart Ban First-Time Shoplifters?  

Those who are charged with shoplifting from Walmart receive a lifetime ban.

It is doubtful that this ban will be lifted, and if you choose to enter a Walmart after receiving this ban (even if it is not the one you stole from), you could receive charges for criminal trespass.  

Does Walmart Care If You Steal?

Walmart takes theft seriously and devotes a significant amount of its budget to loss prevention.

You will likely get caught if you steal from Walmart, and the store is unlikely to drop charges. You could be looking at a criminal record and a lifetime ban from all Walmart stores.  

Does Walmart Have Facial Recognition?  

Walmart uses image recognition cameras at its self-checkout areas. These cameras are not facial recognition cameras.

They focus on the products themselves, not the customer’s face, and they aim to reduce the amount of unscanned and unpaid items leaving the store, not track the faces of the shoplifters themselves.  

How Does Walmart Know If You Steal?  

Many security measures are in place to ensure that thieves are caught in Walmart stores.

Walmart employs Loss Prevention Associates, which is responsible for recognizing when shoplifting occurs and monitoring cameras, product security tags, and AI-powered image recognition at checkouts.  

To learn more, you can see my complete guide on how Walmart tracks shoplifters and the technology they are using.

How Can I Get Walmart To Drop My Shoplifting Charge?  

Walmart takes theft very seriously, so it is unlikely that they will drop charges. If you believe you have been wrongly accused, your best option is to hire a defense lawyer and get an opinion of how you should proceed.

To learn more, see our other guides on whether or not Walmart can check your receipt, if Walmart uses Telecheck, if Walmart accepts handwritten checks, Walmart’s lost and found policy, and the most stolen products from Walmart.