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.