Target Introduces Stricter Rules to Tackle Retail Theft, Lowers Threshold for Employee Intervention

By Madz Dizon

Jun 28, 2024 02:28 AM EDT

Target Introduces Stricter Rules to Tackle Retail Theft, Lowers Threshold for Employee Intervention — The exterior of a Target store in Los Angeles, California before the start of business on August 17, 2022.
(Photo : ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Target Corp. is implementing stricter measures to combat shoplifting and reduce the impact it has on their operations.

New Target Policy Reduces Theft Intervention Limit to $50

According to anonymous sources familiar with the matter, store staff now have the authority to intervene in theft incidents valued at a minimum of $50.

This threshold is lower than the previous limit of $100. The sources requested to remain unidentified when discussing internal company policies.

According to sources, the new guideline is anticipated to take effect during the summer months.

According to Bloomberg, thresholds can differ among retailers due to their individual policies regarding the apprehension or prosecution of shoplifters.

The prices vary significantly, with estimates ranging from $25 to $100, according to Brand Elverston, an industry consultant and former director of asset protection at Walmart Inc.

In life-threatening situations, store staff prioritizes the safety of individuals over the value of stolen items, regardless of their dollar value. They are trained to intervene in non-violent theft cases.

There are certain constraints to the overall effectiveness of such thresholds. For safety reasons, it is not expected for employees to use physical force to prevent theft.

Target Tightens Theft Prevention, Predicts Shrinkage Stabilization

Target is implementing new guidance to address theft, demonstrating their commitment to addressing this issue.

The Minneapolis retailer, with a vast network of nearly 2,000 stores across the US, has expressed concerns about the impact of shrinkage on its profit margins in recent quarters.

Shrinkage, which includes inventory loss due to theft, damage, and other factors, has put pressure on the company's profitability. The company anticipates that these losses will level off this year, though.

Many retailers, like Target, have taken extensive measures to address retail theft.

These measures include increasing the number of security guards and implementing the practice of locking up commonly stolen items, such as toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo, behind glass encasing, The New York Post reported.

Businesses as well as law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about criminal justice reform initiatives, specifically California's decision to decriminalize thefts under $950. They argue that this change has contributed to a rise in organized shoplifting incidents.