Have you ever wondered what happens to people who steal from Home Depot?
Many people may be tempted to try and get a five-finger discount while they are shopping. For some people, taking something without getting caught can be a real rush. Most people have stolen something from a retail chain at least once in their lives. However, you could end up facing criminal charges for a single bad decision if you’re not careful.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at the Home Depot shoplifting policy and the company’s loss prevention measures.
Contents
The Real Cost Of Shoplifting
Taking a small and relatively cheap item from a company with numerous stores might not seem like a big deal. After all, most retail chains make a lot of money each year. Home Depot is no exception and makes a reported $108 billion in annual revenue.
However, the company loses around $81 million a year due to shoplifting. This total significantly eats into the company’s profits. To offset these losses, the cost of products is often raised slightly. This means that everyone suffers when people steal from retail chains.
In-store credit
There is a fairly common scam where people steal items from Home Depot and return them a few days later. When bringing back the unwanted items, the thieves request in-store credit or cash for the products they have stolen. This, in effect, means that the company is paying people for stealing, and efforts are being made to prevent this.
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The Company’s Loss Prevention Tactics
Because Home Depot loses so much money each year to shoplifters, measures are taken to minimize theft. A number of different loss prevention tactics have been employed over the years. These methods are regularly evaluated to discover if they are effective.
Home Depot has invested around $250 million in store remodeling to better protect employees and prevent theft. All of the company’s 300,000 employees are trained in loss prevention techniques. This helps the retailer to combat losses and provide a better shopping experience for loyal customers.
The most common product
Home Depot recently began testing a new form of loss prevention. Power tools are one of the items that are most commonly stolen from the company’s stores. Although many of these tools are fairly small and easy to conceal, they often have a high retail value.
The new measure involves making sure power tools do not work until they are activated at the cash register. This means that stealing these items from a store would not benefit shoplifters. While this is an effective loss prevention technique, it does not impact the shopping experience for customers. Once the trial phase is complete, these power tools will likely be introduced to all the company’s stores.
Security cameras
Security cameras are set up in all parts of each store. Some of these cameras are visible to act as a deterrent to casual thieves. However, some are more hidden and are designed to catch thieves in the act.
Security cameras can be found in store aisles, at checkouts, in parking lots, and in other areas of operation. These are closely monitored by loss prevention managers. The company has employed Verint to make sure footage can be viewed both inside stores and remotely.
Footage gets stored for future use…
When footage showing shoplifting is recovered, it is usually stored for future use. This evidence can be later given to law enforcement agents when thieves are caught. This is particularly important if the store manager decides to prosecute the criminal.
Smaller, pocket-sized items are commonly stolen from stores. To help combat theft, these items often feature security tags in the packaging. However, they can be discarded fairly easily once the items have been stolen.
Facial recognition
Although Home Depot is dedicated to loss prevention measures like security cameras, the company does not use facial recognition. This is mainly because they are involved with the nonprofit advocacy group Fight for the Future. This group is dedicated to protecting and expanding the digital rights of people. The use of facial recognition software is in direct conflict with the beliefs and mission of this group.
Security guards
The home improvement retail chain employs security guards to keep an eye on assets and customers. They are officially known as Asset Protection Specialists. These professionals are responsible for monitoring security cameras, and they work closely with local law enforcement.
While these security guards are permitted to follow suspects, they are not allowed to apprehend them. Instead, they are charged with reporting suspicious and dangerous activity to the store manager. They also take note of suspects and record their activities for use in testimonies.
Does Home Depot Prosecute Shoplifters?
It is company policy to prosecute shoplifters who are apprehended in the store. To press charges, the store manager usually needs to be able to produce video evidence of the crime. Those who are successfully prosecuted will receive a criminal record and may face jail time.
Shoplifters are usually detained until local law enforcement arrives. They will then be transferred into police custody. A criminal charge will then be given, depending on the value of the items that were stolen. The exact criminal proceedings can vary between different parts of the United States.
Getting banned
It stands to reason that people who are caught stealing will be banned from the store. However, these people can usually visit other branches of Home Depot as long as the incident is not too serious. Escalated offenses, such as those featuring violence, usually result in the offender being banned from all of the company’s stores.
The Different Charges
When someone is caught stealing from Home Depot, the loss prevention manager has the option to press charges. Thieves are usually prosecuted if there is video evidence of the crime and perhaps testimony from a security guard. The type of charge that thieves are faced with depends on the value of the items they stole and other factors.
Disorderly Persons Offense
This charge applies to people who attempt to steal merchandise valued at $200 or less. Shoplifters are usually given a fine of $1,000 in addition to associated legal fees. People who are unable to pay the fine could face up to six months in jail.
In most cases, offenders also have to perform a set number of community service hours. This is usually ten days for a first offense, 15 days for a second offense, and 25 days for a third offense.
Fourth Degree
This charge applies to people who attempt to steal merchandise valued between $200 and $500. Shoplifters are usually given a fine of $1,000 in addition to court fees. People who are unable to pay the fine could face up to eighteen months in jail. The associated amount of Community Service is the same for a Disorderly Persons Offense.
Third Degree
This charge is given to people who attempt to steal goods valued between $500 and $75,000. The fine for a Third Degree charge is usually up to $15,000, while offenders could spend up to five years in jail.
Second Degree
People who steal goods valued at more than $75,000 can receive a Second Degree charge. The fine for this charge is up to $150,000 in addition to legal fees. If the offender is unable to pay the fine, they will usually spend between five and ten years in jail.
Shoplifting Turned Robbery
This is a serious charge that includes either Use of Physical Force or Threat or the Use of a Weapon. The fine for Use of Physical Force or Threat is $150,000, which is increased to $200,000 for the use of a weapon. The amount of jail time for these offenses ranges from five years to twenty years.
Additional Info About Home Depot
Some interesting facts you might have wondered about the DIY store could include the history of The Home Depot Slogan, or how about Who Is The Voice Of The Home Depot Commercials, and Can I Use My Home Depot Credit Card Anywhere?
For great deals and savings at the store, take a look at the superb Home Depot 11% Rebate, as well as Does Home Depot Have A Senior Discount, or perhaps you’d like to know When Does Home Depot Restock, Does Home Depot Sell Sherwin Williams Paint, or Who Makes LifeProof Flooring For Home Depot?
If you’ve made an impulsive buy and are not happy with your product, find out more about the Home Depot Return Policy Without Receipt, and for cashless payments, check out Does Home Depot Take Apple Pay in 2023?
Final Thoughts
It is best to think twice before stealing something from Home Depot. The company has a strict shoplifting policy in place that managers are expected to stick to. People who are caught stealing are detained by security until a police officer arrives and will face prosecution.
The company also uses a range of loss prevention methods to help deter thieves and catch them in the act. Even if you cannot see a security camera, you can be sure that there are several in each store. Security guards are also employed to watch over stores and catch light-fingered customers.
Enjoy your shopping experience at Home Depot, but don’t be tempted to try and get something for nothing!