Confronting a Shoplifter

Shoplifting is defined as the taking of merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for said merchandise. Shoplifting is becoming more common, and shoplifters are getting bolder. In recent years, many retail employees were seriously injured, or even killed, after confronting particularly unstable shoplifters. It is important, therefore, to have a definitive plan in place for ready use by employees in the event they should have to confront a shoplifter.

Identify the crime

Before detaining anyone, employees must establish probable cause. In order to establish a solid base for probable cause and to prevent false arrest claims, there are several crucial points that a merchant or employees should cover before deciding to stop someone suspected of shoplifting. The employees must see the shoplifter approach the merchandise and must see the shoplifter select and conceal or carry away the merchandise. They must not lose sight of the shoplifter before the suspect reaches the door of the shop, and must see the person leave with no effort or inclination to pay. Only then should employees confront the shoplifter once the offender reaches the outside of the retail establishment.

Detain the offender

This is the most hazardous part in the process of prosecuting shoplifters. The employee or, more preferably, group of employees must detain the offender until local law enforcement can arrive.The general rule is to have at least one more person as back-up than there are shoplifters. The detention process starts when the shoplifter is initially confronted. Once it is proven the suspected shoplifter has unpaid merchandise, the employees should ask the person politely to return to the store in order to clear up the matter. When employees act in a professional manner, and have back-up, most of the time the shoplifter is going to comply and go without a fuss. However, employees should have training from law enforcement methods to use if the shoplifter is uncooperative or hostile.