What Is Target’s Policy on Shoplifting?

In 2022, the goal is to have a zero-tolerance policy for shoplifting.  So, as of 2022, Target has a strong shoplifting policy in place to prevent and combat stealing in its shops. This includes facial recognition surveillance systems, loss prevention security guards, and a variety of deterrent methods. Penalties range from citations and penalties to shop closures and police involvement.

Target has a stringent anti-shoplifting strategy in place, with security guards and video devices stationed throughout the store to track down and capture shoplifters.

If the theft is of great monetary value or involves dangerous products, Target will contact the authorities and bar the shoplifters from entering the store in the future. For the sake of everyone’s safety, Target has a no-chase policy for shoplifters who exit the store and attempt to flee.

No chase Policy:

If shoplifters try to flee, Target’s in-store security personnel are not permitted to pursue them.

Target’s security agents must follow a shoplifter from a safe distance while keeping observation because the corporation has a stringent “no pursuit” policy. Meanwhile, Target security employees may pass that information on to the cops, who will be in charge of apprehending the shoplifter.

Target detaining Rules:

Target security guards who are in charge of asset protection have a broad ability to hold anyone if they have probable proof.

If Target security officials witness a theft and notice a client leaving the shop without paying for the product, they can ask the consumer to step aside or into a back room while the incident is investigated.

Prosecution Rules:

If the police are called, the shoplifter will be charged with felony shoplifting if the product’s worth exceeds a certain amount, which in most states is between $500 and $1000.

If the shoplifter took less than $500, they will most likely be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, and a shoplifting accusation might be classified as petty theft or another sort of larceny.

Is Target able to deter shoplifters?

Asset Protection security personnel at Target typically do not stop until the suspected shoplifter has left the store.

They can, however, request that the Asset Protection Team Lead provide a “variance to exit” authorization, which instructs security to halt a person in specific instances.

In order for this to happen, the individual must be seen approaching, taking, and hiding the product, and then purposely skipping the last point where the merchandise must be paid for.

Does Target have in-store monitoring security cameras?

Target stores have sophisticated security measures in place, including surveillance cameras that are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Face recognition technology and image analytics software are included in these cameras to help the organization prevent and track stealing.

Customers are therefore subjected to continuous video monitoring from the minute they enter the business, and in certain situations, they are also subjected to CCTV surveillance in the parking lots.

Is it possible for Target to search customers’ bags for shoplifted items?

Target can inspect your shopping bag if it suspects you of theft as long as the practice is voluntary and the client agrees.

They cannot, however, inspect your clothing or personal belongings such as a purse. Target security officers are more frightening when it comes to petty thefts, attempting to persuade the shoplifter to leave the product in the store and depart without it.

Are there any charges pressed for shoplifting at Target?

Target is unable to prosecute a shoplifter who steals from one of its stores. It has the ability to submit a police complaint or ask the prosecutor’s office to intervene, but it does not have the jurisdiction to prosecute an individual directly.

Target can issue a civil demand letter asking for monetary reparation following a theft occurrence, which the theft can either pay or ignore and risk a small claims lawsuit being filed against them, depending on local state legislation.

Is Target able to punish shoplifters? 

According to certain Target employees, the company can build cases against repeated shoplifters. Target has a deliberate approach to dealing with shoplifters to reduce theft throughout their retail shops.

Target is known for not apprehending shoplifters who steal stuff from the store regularly, instead of waiting until the total worth of the stolen goods reaches a specified threshold that qualifies for felony prosecution. Although this strategy is not expressly stated in Target’s policy, staff confirm it in some locations.

Does Target keep an eye on shoplifters?

Some Target shops will preserve a binder with CCTV camera footage of shoplifters who have been detected but not captured to aid in loss prevention.

Target also keeps note of the things stolen and the date the crime happened in case this information is needed in a future court prosecution.

 Summary: 

Target has a comprehensive shoplifting strategy that includes video monitoring and security systems, security guards, and theft tracking to deter theft from its shops.

It has a no-chase policy, but shoplifters can be detained and barred from entering the business in the future if they are caught stealing. The police will become engaged in felony shoplifting accusations in more extreme incidents.