Shoplifting incidents occur quite frequently in large retail stores, so many retail chains have implemented several policies to deter and stop people from shoplifting.
Since Home Depot is one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world, you may be curious to learn about its shoplifting policy. Here is everything I’ve found out about it!
Home Depot Shoplifting Policy
Home Depot’s shoplifting policy states that shoplifters will be detained by Home Depot security until law enforcement arrives and will face prosecution. Additionally, Home Depot has several loss prevention methods, including security cameras and security guards, to protect its assets.
If you want to learn more about the methods of loss prevention used by Home Depot, what happens to shoplifters who get caught, and much more, keep reading!
Does Home Depot Have Loss Prevention?
Home Depot employs a number of loss prevention tactics to protect its assets in-store.
For example, asset-protection specialists monitor its loss prevention scheme, working to prevent potential theft cases and dealing with issues arising from shoplifting.
Home Depot is also trialing another form of loss prevention involving power tools that do not work unless activated at the register.
This point-of-sale activation technique allows Home Depot to introduce combative loss prevention techniques that do not alter the shopping experience for loyal customers.
After trialing this new form of loss prevention, Home Depot intends to introduce these power tools to all of Home Depot’s stores.
Does Home Depot Watch Security Cameras?
Home Depot frequently watches and monitors the security cameras in its stores as part of its loss prevention program.
The cameras in Home Depot are set up to watch checkouts, store aisles, parking lots, and other areas of operation.
Home Depot has invested $250 million into store remodeling to protect its 300,000 employees, combat losses better, and use the knowledge gained to improve in-store experiences.
Home Depot uses the company Verint, which allows loss prevention managers in Home Depot stores to monitor the store’s CCTV footage from inside or remotely.
Additionally, using security cameras makes it easier for Home Depot to provide evidence to law enforcement of shoplifting or other incidents to protect assets and prosecute criminals.
Does Home Depot Have Security Tags?
Home Depot protects its stock and inventory by using deterrents such as security boxes, spider wraps, and tags.
These are placed on its products to alert security members if items are being stolen from the store.
Does Home Depot Have Facial Recognition?
Despite Home Depot’s dedication to loss prevention tactics such as security cameras, Home Depot does not use facial recognition.
As Axios reports, Home Depot is involved with Fight for the Future and refuses to use facial recognition to protect individuals, despite the security measures it can offer to retailers.
Does Home Depot Have Security Guards?
Along with other security measures, Home Depot also employs security guards in its stores to protect assets.
The security guards within Home Depot are called Asset Protection specialists, and their duties include monitoring security cameras and working with local law enforcement.
While these security guards are allowed to follow subjects around the store and enforce shoplifting policies, they are not allowed to apprehend shoplifters as per Home Depot’s policy.
Additionally, Home Depot employees are also not allowed to apprehend shoplifters as it may involve putting themselves in danger.
Any employee at Home Depot caught apprehending shoplifters will be terminated per the Home Depot employee policy.
What Does An Asset Protection Specialist At Home Depot Do?
An asset protection specialist at Home Depot is there to prevent shoplifting at the retailer.
The Home Depot asset protection specialist identifies incidents of shoplifting, reviews the security cameras, ensures the Electronic Article Surveillance is in working order, and more.
Similar to other Home Depot employees, these specialists are told not to put themselves in danger to apprehend shoplifters.
The Home Depot shoplifting policy states that asset protection specialists must report dangerous situations to their manager or supervisor.
Does Home Depot Prosecute Shoplifters?
Home Depot does prosecute shoplifters that are apprehended in its stores.
The security at Home Depot will detain shoplifters until law enforcement arrives, after which the offender is transferred into police custody.
The criminal charge will vary depending on the value of the attempted theft at Home Depot.
For example, for items valued less than $100 at Home Depot, it will be a second-degree misdemeanor charge; for items over $300 it will be considered felony grand theft.
Keep in mind that the criminal proceedings for shoplifting at Home Depot may vary depending on your state or location.
Can You Be Banned From All Home Depot For Shoplifting?
According to several reports, you will likely be banned from that store if you are caught shoplifting at Home Depot.
However, you are not likely to be banned from the entire Home Depot franchise unless it is for a serious criminal incident, such as armed robbery.
How Much Does Home Depot Lose To Shoplifting?
Home Depot has not released the amount it loses to shoplifting per year to protect its assets.
However, CNBC has reported that, on average, shoplifting and similar retail crime costs retailer Home Depot around $81 million a year, based on their $108 billion earnings.
Because of this, combating shoplifting and retail crime can help Home Depot protect against losses, which can ultimately result in costs being repaired through charges to customers.
What Are The Most Common Things Stolen From Home Depot?
Online reports suggest that power tools are the most popular products stolen from Home Depot stores.
It is suggested that power tools are popular with shoplifters at Home Depot as they are easy to transport out of the store and valuable for use and reselling.
To combat shoplifting, Home Depot has been working with pawn shops and similar retailers to recover shoplifted or stolen items.
Additionally, it has also been suggested that smaller, pocket-sized items are popular with shoplifters at Home Depot.
This is also the case for items with security tags in the packaging, which can be easily discarded so the item can be stolen.
Finally, some reports inform that several shoplifters at Home Depot operate a scam where they steal items from returning to Home Depot stores in exchange for cash and in-store credit.
What Happens If You Steal From Home Depot?
You will likely be prosecuted if you are caught stealing from Home Depot.
Home Depot will have video evidence and often testimony from security guards that can and will be used against you.
Note that you will likely be given a criminal record for theft from Home Depot and potential jail time.
If you want to learn more about Home Depot’s policies, you can also read our related posts on Home Depot’s wrong price policy, firing & termination policy, and learn all about Home Depot’s mission.
Conclusion
Home Depot has a variety of strategies and tactics in place to prevent shoplifting and similar retail thefts from occurring within its stores.
Shoplifting from Home Depot can lead to serious financial losses to the retailer which it aims to prevent.
Home Depot has video cameras and security guards as part of its loss prevention tactics to prevent shoplifters. To prevent the risk of injury or danger, employees at Home Depot are informed not to pursue shoplifters in order to keep themselves safe.
