As a former woes employee, idgaf if you steal or deface product, just please please be smart about it and mind the cameras that are everywhere, only because it's not usually the store itself watching them, it's asset protection. Ours came on random days, so no way to tell when they came in so it's a slim chance you see one. They dress like normal ass guys, but you can find them talking to the red vest employees. BUT, if you catch one's attention, they CAN legally apprehend you and hold you for the police.
I've done my share of sticky fingers while there, mostly just houseplants and magazines, but for the love of God be smart about what you take, I have watched so many people fail at theft while I worked there only because they're oblivious to how obvious they're being and start getting tailed through the store.
Also if you're going to do a walk out that you know will get some eyebrow raises, do it at the pro desk or the front entrance in the evening, don't do the main checkout or garden center. This is best if you've ran a deactivator magnet over everything so you don't trip the loud ass EAS alarm to limit attention to yourself.
But honestly even if you don't, whatever part time cashier they have stuck there will be too damn tired and broken after being yelled at by every Keith and Karen to give a fuck about every rando who goes out the door.
all good points! thank you for these additions.