I work at circuitcity and i was wondering why we the associates cant apprehend people who shoplift there.?

Question

we had this customer at my work come and take two small tvs from the counter and run off. well i was coming in the door and i got of like close lined the guy and stopped him but my managers wouldnt let me! ITS SOOOOOO AGRAVATING!!!!!

Answer 1

It is probably a liability issue. Do you not have your own store security?

In states and/or cities you must have trained certified security personnel

to grab the crook.

I did store security back when we just grabbed them, called the cops and witnessed in court.  That was some 25 yrs ago.  Crooks have civil rights these days. I feel your pain!!

Answer 2

Thats why they have Security people to do that. You can end up getting hurt and sued for acting outside the scope of your employment.

Answer 3

The company insurance policy prohibits its...

I had a really good manager at my store....when I worked at Office Depot.....

He got disciplined -> transferred to another store, after jumping and pounding a guy stealing a laptop.

Its a larger liability for the company if an employee got hurt than if someone got stolen.

The insurance company could take them to the cleaners.....

Brick + mortar stores have a 200% markup for a reason. They can only sell at a minimum of 150% which is advertised. You can get things cheaper online because you can get near invoice prices on unadvertised sales. If the price is displayed after adding to the basket, then its legal...and then there is no brick and mortar online.

Also, they are NOT stealing from you, they are stealing from your employer.

Answer 4

If you injure a person by tackling or clothes lining him, he can sue not only you, but Circuit City, and Circuit City would rather lost 2 small tv's than pay for that guy's medical bills and other lawsuit claims.  

Answer 5

Hi from an experienced loss prevention guy. There are most likely several reasons why your manager(s) took that approach. First, what is the company policy on apprehending shoplifters? Second, there is the aspect of employee safety involved during, or attempting, an apprehension. Third, do you have loss prevention staff in the store? When dealing with a shoplifting, there are variations in states' laws about what employees can, or cannot, do. Lastly, in most states, from a "civil" versus a "criminal" law aspect, the burden of proof needs to be met that Joe Dokes actually did steal the item(s) in question. In other words, you can't just "think" or "have suspicion" that he stole it. You, as the apprehender must "know beyond a reasonable doubt" that he did it. I know it is frustrating. Sounds to me like the store manager should have a sit-down with everyone and roll out what the policy is and  how associates should, or should not, respond to an incident. Hope this helps!! Thanks for being concerned, involved, and willing to step up to the plate!

Answer 6

I am blown away! What in the h**l does this subject have to do with TV ELECTRONICS, the subject of this forum?

ONLY an attorney who is familiar with the laws of YOUR jurisdiction can adequately answer a question like this. Anyone else who trys is a tad overly arrogant or just plain stupid - or both.

Answer 7

its because you dont know if that guy had a gun or something. to the store, youre safety is more important. a tv can be replaced, YOU cannot.