Lowe’s Shoplifting Policy (Cameras, Security, Loss Prevention, Caught Stealing, Facial Recognition + More)

 As Lowe’s sells a range of higher-priced items, including power tools, it must have a shoplifting policy.

Those who have visited Lowe’s before may be wondering what its shoplifting policy is, including if it has cameras, security guards, and more. I’ve done the research, and here’s what I have learned!

Lowe’s Shoplifting Policy

The shoplifting policy at Lowe’s ensures staff members and customers are kept safe during shoplifting incidents by having asset protection, loss prevention, and security staff on the premises and working closely with local law enforcement. Also, Lowe’s utilizes security cameras and electric tags on items to prevent shoplifting.

For more information about the shoplifting policy at Lowe’s, including details about its loss prevention and asset protection systems, as well as if Lowe’s has a no-chase policy, keep reading!

Does Lowe’s Have Loss Prevention?

Yes, Lowe’s has a loss prevention program in place to prevent incidents of shoplifting.

Lowe’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics states that Lowe’s associates must work to protect physical and digital assets at Lowe’s, as theft, carelessness, and waste can impact Lowe’s profits and reputation.

Lowe’s advises employees to be careful and vigilant regarding loss prevention, as shoplifters may use tactics such as social engineering to steal.

To protect merchandise, Lowe’s uses surveillance through both cameras and staff members.

Also, Lowe’s uses electronic security tags on higher-priced items in-store that will alert staff to shoplifting incidents.

Lowe’s managers also work closely with local law enforcement as part of its loss prevention program, which apprehends and helps prosecute potential shoplifters.

Does Lowe’s Have Asset Protection?

To help protect its customers and merchandise further, Lowe’s also employs an Asset Protection Agent (APA) within its stores.

The role of the APA is to stop shrinkage within Lowe’s stores and deter potential criminal incidents.

Also, the APA provides training to other staff members at Lowe’s, including associates, leaders, and managers, about identifying potential shoplifting incidents and deterring them through shrink programs. 

Moreover, the APA at Lowe’s will complete tasks such as diligently observing the store and investigating and responding to shoplifting incidents within the store.

Additionally, Lowe’s APA must ensure a safe shopping experience for customers that helps to reduce shrinkage for the company.

Does Lowe’s Have Security Cameras?

Does Lowe's Have Security Cameras?

As with many stores, Lowe’s uses security cameras to monitor, apprehend, and provide evidence of shoplifting incidents.

For example, security cameras within Lowe’s will often be placed to monitor the entrance and exit and prime merchandise, including expensive tools and equipment.

The footage obtained from security cameras at Lowe’s will often be used as evidence of shoplifting to help prosecute shoplifters, as well as creating an official report for Lowe’s records.

Does Lowe’s Use Facial Recognition?

Yes, it has been reported online that Lowe’s is one of the companies using facial recognition to protect its assets and prevent shoplifting incidents.

However, an official spokesperson from Lowe’s has denied the use of facial recognition as part of their video surveillance in stores.

Does Lowe’s Have a No Chase Policy?

To protect staff and customers, Lowe’s implements a no-chase policy.

Instead, Lowe’s asset protection and security staff are encouraged to follow potential shoplifters but not engage with them.

Also, Lowe’s staff will obtain information about the suspected shoplifter relayed to local law enforcement.

Lowe’s staff will then contact law enforcement, who have better means to apprehend shoplifters.

Can Lowe’s Staff Physically Stop Shoplifters? 

Lowe’s staff are often told not to apprehend shoplifters as it can be a danger to them and others in the store.

With that, incidents at Lowe’s that result in injuries could lead to lawsuits, which Lowe’s wishes to avoid.

According to Lowe’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Lowe’s is committed to a violence-free workplace, meaning Lowe’s staff are instructed not to chase or physically interact with shoplifters to maintain a safe environment.

Instead, Lowe’s workers must provide reports of incidents to law enforcement, who are correctly equipped and trained to deal with shoplifting circumstances.

Does Lowe’s Track Down Shoplifters?

Lowe’s will use its loss prevention tactics to prosecute shoplifters and prevent them from returning to stores.

As well as using video surveillance as evidence to report to the police, Asset Protection Agents at Lowe’s are trained to gather information on suspects.

If you’ve been caught shoplifting at Lowe’s, you will be banned from the store and perhaps the franchise depending on the theft.

What Happens If You Are Caught Stealing From Lowe’s?

If you attempt to shoplift from Lowe’s, you will likely face repercussions. If you are unsuccessful in your venture, Lowe’s staff may ask you to leave the premises and call the police.

Also, Lowe’s may ban you from entering its stores in the future if you are known to have shoplifted.

Additionally, Lowe’s has security staff and law enforcement officers who are willing to process shoplifting incidents, which means you may be given a criminal charge.

Does Lowe’s Prosecute Shoplifters?

Like with other retailers, Lowe’s will prosecute individuals who have been caught shoplifting.

Depending on the merchandise stolen, Lowe’s can prosecute shoplifters with a misdemeanor or felony charge.

To learn more, you can see our related posts on the Home Depot shoplifting policy,  what sets off Walmart door alarms, and the Costco shoplifting policy.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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