So, I just got off the closing shift a bit ago. And as I was getting my bags together after having done a bit of shopping and going through the line. Some random dude/customer pretty much goes out of the door. Obviously not having paid for whatever he had in his hand as the alarm was going off as he went through. He even did quite a few look backs to see if any one was following him out of the lobby and in the parking lot.
Now I know, if I heard. The front end peeps had to have done so as well. And even if they didn't should have noticed him doing the look backs etc. But nobody stopped him. So in a word, I'm officially flabbergasted that he was so bold as to do something like that.
That's happened a few times at my store. Since I do Uscan, I've seen quite a few people do that on my Uscan. Unfortunately, the guards aren't around when that happens, and I can't go after them cause we're not supposed to. So they just walk out the door. I suppose the criminals know this and use this to their advantage.
Last month, I was fetching cigarettes for this dude, and as I had my back turned, he snags one from the display. I told the security guard about it as the guy was walking out of the store, and the guard just looked at me and said because I didn't actually see him, he can't do anything about it, because Kroger wouldn't like him going after the guy on a suspicion. I was like, really? What are the cameras for? He said, sorry, can't do anything.
What Kroger stores have guards? I hear on the PA all the time "Security check area 34" but that is just auto announced like every hours or so. We have no guards and the alarms go off all the time and no one does anything. The store I work at has allot of loss because of people stealing. So to answer your question. Yes that did happen.
We don't have security that I am aware of during the night. Although I think someone said they had spotted someone in plain clothes going around during the day.
But that aside. I was just amazed as hell that the dude was that bold to do something like that in the first place. I guess if he comes back for anything else they could do something, but just never know.
It's because the KNOW we CANNOT do a thing about it. I know it's for safety reasons... NOTHING is worth getting shot over at that store. And Heaven forbid
The thief get offended and sue because they fell on their little tooshies when they are trying to get away and get stopped. We NEED security. So far, we have this one homeless guy (sweet awesome guy) act as "security." We've recovered lots of items "walking" out the door.
I know by me, we had a thief get caught really quick as PD happened to be very very close by and as soon as they got the call from a manager that a theft was in progress, PD came in fast and caught the scumbag after our Store Director and a few others were trying to tail the guy while I was trying to secure unused registers and block them off, as that is how the guy got out quick. Walked right out the door with a straight 2 second shot cause someone didn't secure the very first few registers and lock em down. We as hourly are only to do our best to assist by following security procedures as we have been trained to, but are to never intervene with a shoplifter ever, simply alert LP or management immediately and discreetly and let them handle it.
Customers hate when we block FE in, but we do it because we have to keep track of movement and access, it's just the way it is.
That's happened a few times at my store. Since I do Uscan, I've seen quite a few people do that on my Uscan. Unfortunately, the guards aren't around when that happens, and I can't go after them cause we're not supposed to. So they just walk out the door. I suppose the criminals know this and use this to their advantage.
Last month, I was fetching cigarettes for this dude, and as I had my back turned, he snags one from the display. I told the security guard about it as the guy was walking out of the store, and the guard just looked at me and said because I didn't actually see him, he can't do anything about it, because Kroger wouldn't like him going after the guy on a suspicion. I was like, really? What are the cameras for? He said, sorry, can't do anything.
Security guy was just following protocol. If you lose track of a suspected shoplifter for just one second after seeing them steal something, you must let them go or alert LP/management. But you can never "officially" suspect a shop lifter if you lose sight of them because in that brief moment they could have put everything back on the shelf... apparently. And Kroger does not want anyone, security, or anyone, to stop and frisk someone on SUSPICION alone.
Security guy was just following protocol. If you lose track of a suspected shoplifter for just one second after seeing them steal something, you must let them go or alert LP/management. But you can never "officially" suspect a shop lifter if you lose sight of them because in that brief moment they could have put everything back on the shelf... apparently. And Kroger does not want anyone, security, or anyone, to stop and frisk someone on SUSPICION alone.
And the cameras? They can't use them? So they can keep an extra eye on him when he comes back?
All I know is this, there was ONE pack of newports on the display when I walked in. When I turned my head, I heard the door and some ruffling sounds (sounds that cig packs make when you move them), and when I turned my head, guy had his hand in his pocket and that ONE pack of newports was gone. There was nobody else around but me and him. He was like, "naw, I changed my mind, I don't want 'em." Cause he already had 'em.
