Holiday Shopping Brings Shoplifters; One Local Business in Flint, Michigan, Can't Do Much About It

The holiday season is coming to a close with only six more days until Christmas. Shoppers everywhere across the U.S. are scrounging around to pick up that last minute gift. Others are purchasing their entire Christmas list now. And still others are out looking like they are shopping, but in reality, they're shoplifting.

With technology increasing, shoplifters are more easily apprehended. Cameras now are being equipped with better zoom features with almost fine high quality detail. Most major chains such as JCPenney, Macy's, and Old Navy have undercover L.P. agents that dress like everyday people.

However, Old Navy has a policy that is both disasterous when it comes to meeting sales and lawsuits in the event of shoplifting.

On December 18^th around 3:30 p.m., a local Old Navy, located on Miller Rd. in Flint, MI was hit by a group of girls, who decided they would shoplift several items. But because of a company policy, the three girls who looked to have been in an age range of 20-25, got away with every item they pocketed.

"We are not allowed to apprehend shoplifters unless we actually see them pocket the item and watch them walk out the door," says associate Jessica Back, who's been with the company since 2000.

The company's policy is that they must see the visitor conceal the item and walk out the door. However, the L.P. associate or member of management must not take their eyes off the shopper at any given moment.

"We have a walkie talkie system where we can discreetly communicate between all the associates," says manager Talma Hodges.

The three young girls entered the store, looking like any other shopper. They tried on several items and asked questions about sizes and colors available. But according to Talma, the items they asked for never made it back to the tables, nor did they make their way to the register.

"We have to watch every step of the process because the shopper could find out they're being watched and drop the item."

With the headsets, it allows several associates to patrol the areas discreetly.

"If we are noticed, chances are the shoplifter will drop the item by either putting it back in its original place or dumping it elsewhere and we find it later," Talma continued.

The three girls involved each got away with several items, including t-shirts that can be layered.

"Shoplifters can have a bag of items and walk out the door, wave them in our face through the window and there is absolutely nothing we can do to recover the stolen property."

Several years ago, the store manager at the time took her chances after a long wait on a couple of shoplifters to exit the building. After they exited, one of the females flaunted to the manager her items she had walked out with. Jackie then walked out to retrieve the items, a dangerous situation. After getting physical, the girls lost some of their stolen clothes and drove off. Once again they laughed and mocked the store manager. What they didn't know is that during the physical fight over clothes, one of the shoppers had dropped their purse in the parking lot which contained their identification.

"I remember after the girls laughed driving away, Jackie held up the purse and laughed back and walked in to call the police," Jessica says of the incident.

"It's a dumb policy I think. But I can see why they have it. Because if you apprehend someone for shoplifting, though you may have seen them take an item, if they put it back you're liable for harassment and other charges by the shopper if no items are recovered," she stated.

The estimated damage by the three dishonest visitors to Old Navy totaled to roughly $85 a piece by what they were seen trying on and helped with.

"It was a major loss for our day, but there's not a whole lot we can do," Talma sighed.