As shoplifting has become endemic in the retail world, retailers like Kroger have taken many steps to prevent crime and minimize its losses. If a person is found shoplifting at Kroger, they may face serious consequences. Kroger has implemented several preventive measures and has a decent shoplifting policy, including an artificial intelligence system to detect shoplifting, a loss prevention team, and other steps to avoid business losses. Continue reading to know more about Kroger’s shoplifting measures and policy. What happens when you shoplift at Kroger
What Happens When You Shoplift At Kroger?
Kroger has a ‘no-touch’ policy in terms of shoplifting. Meaning, that members of its loss prevention team will not detain or chase after any possible shoplifters unless they have concrete evidence to do so.
Kroger’s No-Touch Policy
The ‘no-touch’ or ‘no-chase’ policy at Kroger is in place to ensure that no one is wrongfully apprehended and that no staff is hurt while pursuing a potential shoplifter. This is due to the possibility of shoplifters injuring an employee or carrying a weapon.
If a shoplifter is still in the store, the loss prevention staff and other personnel will do everything possible to stop them. In addition, the no-touch policy is in effect in the case that a customer is physically injured and threatens to sue Kroger.
How Does Kroger Prevent Shoplifting?
As Kroger maintains a no-touch policy that restricts its employees from chasing potential shoplifters, how does it prevent shoplifting? It has various preventive measures in place to keep shoplifting from happening in the first place:
- Kroger stores are equipped with CCTV cameras. These cameras monitor and record all customer actions and can be used to identify shoplifters. The cameras store footage for 30 days and may be deleted after.
- Evergreen’s visual Artificial Intelligence system is used by Kroger. These cameras, which are located near self-service checkout terminals, monitor the Store Keeping Units of the items scanned by customers and if customers are scanning their products properly. The cameras are also installed in employee portable devices, and the Evergreen software alerts employees to suspicious or criminal behavior inside the store.
- Although the loss prevention team does not chase after shoplifters, they do record a shoplifter’s ID and vehicle information. They will notify the relevant police department about the shoplifting incident and the details of the shoplifter.
When Someone Gets Caught Shoplifting At Kroger
Although Kroger does not prosecute shoplifters who have committed petty crimes, it does punish shoplifters in many ways:
- The items stolen will first be retrieved.
- The loss prevention team will put the shoplifter on a no-trespass list and the shoplifter will be denied entry into Kroger stores in the future for a period. If the shoplifter tries to enter a Kroger store, Kroger may press charges.
- Kroger will contact the policy to detain the shoplifter and depending on the seriousness of the crime and state regulations, the shoplifter may be fined or jailed. The shoplifter may be prosecuted with a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the stolen items; if someone steals products worth $400, they may be charged with a misdemeanor, and if they steal products worth more than $400, they may be charged with a felony. Most shoplifting offenses at Kroger are misdemeanors that can be settled with a fine.
Conclusion
Kroger has strict policies and protocols to prevent shoplift happens in its 2000 stores around the country. In addition to CCTV cameras, Kroger employs Artificial Intelligence technology and a trained loss prevention team to monitor all customers and personnel in the stores. Those caught shoplifting face high penalties and perhaps imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime and state legislation. Usually, most shoplifters may be able to settle with a fine as they commit minor offenses but it is best to not engage in such illegal activities in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Kroger’s no-touch policy?
The no-touch policy means that members of Kroger’s loss prevention team or other staff are not allowed to chase or go after potential shoplifters. This is because 1) the possible shoplifter may be wrongly accused and may sue Kroger if they are physically harmed, and 2) it safeguards employees who may be physically hurt if they pursue a shoplifter who may use force on the employee or carry weapons.
- Does Kroger have security cameras to monitor shoplifters?
Yes, it does. Kroger tracks shoplifters through CCTV cameras.
- How much do shoplifters have to pay if they steal from Kroger?
It is decided by the worth of the stolen goods as well as state laws. Shoplifters may face fines ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor crimes. Shoplifters who steal items worth more than $400 and are prosecuted with a felony face fine of up to $10,000.
