1. Be vigilint; meaning greet the suspected shoplifter: Hi, how are you? Is there anything I can help you with today? Do NOT accuse ANY customer of shoplifting. Sometimes a shoplifters may conceal an item but ditch it before they pass the POS (point of sale) area. EVEN if they ditch the item just past the checkstand in the store. This is THE BEST (according to Kroger and many stores in general) to prevent theft. Be super nice, attentative, and cheerful. Most shoplifters dislike the attention, even if it is friendly. They want nothing more than to be left alone.
2. Shoplifters can be any race, age, gender, rich or poor. The main thing is not to stereotype based on what you hear or feel. That smelly homeless guy that talks to himself that you are watching? Has the money to pay for his items. That clean cut nice guy? Just walked out the door with product. Do not judge based on looks or personal beliefs.
3. Shoplifters will often hang around the area they are mainly interested in and watch and see if anyone is looking. They often will politely refuse help to throw you off. Or if in pairs, may have their ft
Friend "interrupt" you and distract you so their shoplifting buddy can get away. If this fails, they may do the "false rude employee" report.
4. If a suspected shoplifters is on an aisle, you can "work" that aisle whilst discreetly watching them. Do not be obvious. Let your co-workers know discreetly as well so they can be informed as well.
5. If a shoplifters runs or fights, DO NOT CHASE AFTER THEM, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER. DO NOT DETAIN ANY SHOPLIFTER unless you have been certified and trained. Use ONLY the necessary force required to detain them. In other words, if they break free and run, LET IT GO. Usually only management and security can detain a shoplifter.
The BEST way (according to kroger) to stop shoplifters, is to provide superior customer service.
It seems like we are getting more shoplifters due to the pandemic. Does anybody have any tips on how to watch for and stop them?
Are you Loss prevention? No? then why give a sh!t? You go there to earn a check not to risk your life for products you don't even own. But go ahead learn the hard way.
It's been my experience that Kroger (at least in the Local 1996 Atlanta GA area) rarely prosecutes shoplifting-sadly
THIS IS TRUE! Let them steal **** they don't even bother prosecuting. This woman had a bag full of make up and just let her go when they caught her. ridiculous.
We're not allowed to do anything about shoplifters. They make us sign forms and everything.
And that's fine. I hate working here and I'm not going to risk getting stabbed with a HIV needle for near minimum wage.
That is true. But we had a shoplifter go into the breakroom and help themselves to peoples' backpacks etc. I saw him try and carry out something of mine, but I grabbed my items back. He got a bloody nose (he tried to fight me, so I punched him dead in the face) once I hit him he ran out. Not sure if it's going to result in disciplinary action, but it was MY item he had. Its all on camera and I have called the union in case anything tries to go south
We're not allowed to do anything about shoplifters. They make us sign forms and everything.
And that's fine. I hate working here and I'm not going to risk getting stabbed with a HIV needle for near minimum wage.
That is true. But we had a shoplifter go into the breakroom and help themselves to peoples' backpacks etc. I saw him try and carry out something of mine, but I grabbed my items back. He got a bloody nose (he tried to fight me, so I punched him dead in the face) once I hit him he ran out. Not sure if it's going to result in disciplinary action, but it was MY item he had. Its all on camera and I have called the union in case anything tries to go south
You committed assault you should pay a fine or go to jail.
We're not allowed to do anything about shoplifters. They make us sign forms and everything.
And that's fine. I hate working here and I'm not going to risk getting stabbed with a HIV needle for near minimum wage.
That is true. But we had a shoplifter go into the breakroom and help themselves to peoples' backpacks etc. I saw him try and carry out something of mine, but I grabbed my items back. He got a bloody nose (he tried to fight me, so I punched him dead in the face) once I hit him he ran out. Not sure if it's going to result in disciplinary action, but it was MY item he had. Its all on camera and I have called the union in case anything tries to go south
You committed assault you should pay a fine or go to jail.
We have had CUSTOMERS come into our break room-management has told us we have the right to ask them to leave
We're not allowed to do anything about shoplifters. They make us sign forms and everything.
And that's fine. I hate working here and I'm not going to risk getting stabbed with a HIV needle for near minimum wage.
That is true. But we had a shoplifter go into the breakroom and help themselves to peoples' backpacks etc. I saw him try and carry out something of mine, but I grabbed my items back. He got a bloody nose (he tried to fight me, so I punched him dead in the face) once I hit him he ran out. Not sure if it's going to result in disciplinary action, but it was MY item he had. Its all on camera and I have called the union in case anything tries to go south
You committed assault you should pay a fine or go to jail.
I'm not paying anything or going anywhere. He threw the first punch, and I defended myself. Cameras were reviewed today. I was written up, and I am lucky that's the most that will happen.
If you think someone is a shoplifter in an aisle doing a few things will freak them out. Say Hi and offer assistance, points out the products you think they might be taking "Hi Sir, how are you today, did you need any help selecting the correct TIDE" then as a follow up "Oh, Ok, I will be right here stocking the shelves if I can help any further". Its a mind game and most shoplifters will get freaked out and leave the store. You will never be able to do anything about the hardcore shoplifters. I used to follow it up with a page asking someone to come to the next aisle over.......
We're not allowed to do anything about shoplifters. They make us sign forms and everything.
And that's fine. I hate working here and I'm not going to risk getting stabbed with a HIV needle for near minimum wage.
That is true. But we had a shoplifter go into the breakroom and help themselves to peoples' backpacks etc. I saw him try and carry out something of mine, but I grabbed my items back. He got a bloody nose (he tried to fight me, so I punched him dead in the face) once I hit him he ran out. Not sure if it's going to result in disciplinary action, but it was MY item he had. Its all on camera and I have called the union in case anything tries to go south
You committed assault you should pay a fine or go to jail.
I'm not paying anything or going anywhere. He threw the first punch, and I defended myself. Cameras were reviewed today. I was written up, and I am lucky that's the most that will happen.
So you say... hes stealing in the back room, attacks you, you defend yourself, and you still get a write up... brilliant management. I would have torn that paper up.
I don't understand it either. I'm thinking about fighting it. A write up is still a write up even if you do not sign. I'm going to contact my union and see if it can be revoked.
there is this old man who thinks he is slick. I know he is slipping things past me out of view but I feel conflicted to even walk around the other side of him. he is elderly so I just pity him for being old and doing that ****. He is going to die sooner than later so why put that **** on his soul. And I brought it up to one of the managers to try and clear some of my conscience for not doing enough and he basically was like qe aren't paying you enough to confront them lol. true, true
but he was always doing this and I can only imagine he does it more now. he likes to go to self check now
We're not allowed to do anything about shoplifters. They make us sign forms and everything.
And that's fine. I hate working here and I'm not going to risk getting stabbed with a HIV needle for near minimum wage.
That is true. But we had a shoplifter go into the breakroom and help themselves to peoples' backpacks etc. I saw him try and carry out something of mine, but I grabbed my items back. He got a bloody nose (he tried to fight me, so I punched him dead in the face) once I hit him he ran out. Not sure if it's going to result in disciplinary action, but it was MY item he had. Its all on camera and I have called the union in case anything tries to go south
You committed assault you should pay a fine or go to jail.
I'm not paying anything or going anywhere. He threw the first punch, and I defended myself. Cameras were reviewed today. I was written up, and I am lucky that's the most that will happen.
Don't EVER say you won't go to jail or pay a fine...EVER!!! you are NOT supposed to try and stop shoplifters unless you are trained in doing so and have management approval. EVEN security is a NO TOUCH depending on your store and its policies regarding shoplifters. What item was 'so (NOT) worth' fighting and busting their nose for? Nothing? Didn't think so. (Except your wallet and phone) but those are usually kept on your person; not in a locker or break room.
