To my liftblr friends, I do not take full credit for this. I took the old master list but I also added to it. If a section has more than one paragraph, the first one are my thoughts. I rated only the stores I’ve borrowed from. Lastly, I have some definitions for common acronyms/words the community uses. I usually read about a store before I go in it and I realized it may be hard to get all this information at one easy place so I hope this helps someone. Also sorry about the censoring, I don’t want this to be too easy to find for outsiders. Idk if it’ll work but it took some time so hopefully it’s enough. Feel free to take this and make it your own with your own ratings. Thank you.
AP: Pretty sure same as LP.
LP: Loss prevention (sometimes staff blends in with shoppers, if they find you suspicious they will follow you.)
ORC: Organized retail crime. Referring to groups (2 people at least) that organize stealing from retailers. Working as a team, they may act as a distraction while the other(s) steal.
RF/RFID: Tags that can be tracked, usually holographic or silver colored stickers.
CCTV: Video surveillance from cameras.
PTZ: Those cameras that look like black balls. There is a camera inside and you can’t see where it’s turned. Sometimes they are fake too.
POS: Point of sale, where things are sold. Cash registers at front or in back. This matters because of the staff’s range of sight.
SVS: Cameras that say SVS are fake. They can appear to be plugged in, have a red light, and look so real, but if it says SVS it is guaranteed a fake.
DNA: Did not arrive. Term used when online shopping and getting refunds after claiming an item did not arrive. Shipment tracking usually makes this hard.
EAS: The towers by the doors that will alarm if a tag is passed by them that they can detect.
Sensormatic SuperTags: The tags that beep nearby the towers at the door. Can be removed with a heavy duty magnet. Bring tag with you in a container with layers of aluminum foil (3+) or leave behind. Best to bring with you to leave no evidence.
Concealment: To conceal is to hide. Such as concealing stolen merchandise in a purse.
Blindspot: Place in the store where camera’s don’t reach and people can’t watch you conceal. This includes fitting rooms and in between isles.
Synonyms- Shoplifting, lifting, borrowing, stealing.
★★★★★ = Super easy, beginner level stuff, don’t even worry. You might as well steal in front of the manager.
★★★★☆ = Easy, beginner too but watch your back and don’t assume you can be careless. Take notice of surroundings.
★★★☆☆ = Medium, be very careful and do not attempt to steal anything big/expensive. Definitely don’t want to start with this if you are returning from a break.
★★☆☆☆ = Difficult, probably best to only take small things. If you are well educated, possible to take what you want with the right supplies and preparation. Not for a casual theft.
★☆☆☆☆ = Hard, best if you have lots of practice prior at difficult stores. High risk and definitely not a place to casually pocket things. Consider other stores before this.
☆☆☆☆☆ = Impossible, nothing is impossible but you do not want to take the risk. It is not worth it in the grand scheme of things. Even small things are to be left alone.
Difficult to lift from. Cameras aren’t usually monitored, but staff are dedicated and can make commission. They are usually inclined to try to stop theft. Tagging is frequent and efficient at Adid%s stores.
Cameras are few and far between. Cameras are never actively monitored, and most exist only to stop ORC/internal theft. Aero doesn’t chase, and doesn’t prosecute. Their staff has little LP training, and has no employees dedicated to LP. Staff usually don’t count dressing room items, and don’t do much about even obvious lifting (other than calling mall security).
Cameras aren’t actively monitored. Only LP is regular staff, but usually only store managers call police or mall security. Staff sometimes counts fitting room items. A&F has a strict policy not to chase lifters, but they will call police or mall security. Often times they won’t press charges and will just ask for merchandise to be returned.
Won’t chase, and cameras aren’t actively monitored. Staff usually count fitting room items, and fitting rooms are locked until you request one. They will prosecute if caught, but the only LP measures they take are calling police or mall security.
Has a small staff-customer ratio, and lifting is almost impossible. Cameras are actively monitored, and staff follows customers around almost ubiquitously (just so they don’t have to search for a salesperson when they have a question or need help with something).
Hardest of all the GAP Inc. stores. Has staff who is generally dedicated, and who will usually monitor cameras. Tagging is frequent so be careful and only conceal in dressing rooms. Will often chase, prosecute, and ban. They usually call police and mall security.
I easily stole $33 in stickers that were $3 each. Crazy easy if you are only taking very small things. Could probably be done by a beginner. Just stay aware of surroundings and all is well. Will update once I’ve stolen bigger items.
Uses RFID tags on products over $40, all electronics, most manga, and most hardcover books. Cameras are not actively monitored, but will be checked after a theft has occurred. Store managers are the only ones who have the authority to call police. Store managers are the only staff who can trail shoplifters, but they will give aggressive customer service if they suspect you. They won’t chase you, and will simply call to you from the door and ask you to come back inside. If you refuse, they will try to get your license plate number. Gifts, journals, trinkets, moleskines, paper blanks, and art supplies are never tagged. If you’re being followed, staff will back off every few minutes to allow you to dump the merchandise. Try to conceal in the kids section, as there are no cameras usually.
B%th & B%dy W%rks • ★★★☆☆
I’d probably buy something first and once I have the bag I’d stuff it with what I want. I will definitely try this and update if you don’t want to until you’re sure. Things like hand sanitizers you can literally just grab and leave with. Stores are pretty busy so nobody is going to pay attention to you for very long.
No LP, and cameras aren’t actively monitored. The stores are small and have many employees mostly concentrated at the counters except for a greeter who helps customers with questions. They don’t prosecute, but they call mall security and will let them determine if police will be called. This is a store only good for small lifts, and then leaving quickly.
Stores vary. While cameras are usually monitored, and LP exists regionally, tall shelves and big displays make concealment much easier. Will chase, prosecute, and ban.
A very risky bet. They do have actively watched cameras, and a stationary guard, who watches them. Staff can follow you into the restroom. You are not necessarily running against the staff, it’s the cameras that will bite you in the ass. If you do a blatant walkout and get caught (and flee), your picture is sure to be sent to other stores, and potentially posted online. No chase policy, but if you walk out with an item, you have exactly one chance to do so. If you do so, you cannot go back to that store for at least a year. If staff suspects a shoplifter, they will actively provide “Customer Support” in an effort to make you drop what you have and leave the store. Concealment is quite easy in the store, just watch for cameras. I found that hiding near appliances works the best.
Actively monitored PTZ cameras. Staffed with a team of LP professionals, and most staff has basic LP training. They will chase, prosecute, fine, and ban.
They have very good cameras, but they aren’t actively monitored, and they usually don’t record. Employees are few and far between, and at some locations, the door alarms are fake. Most books aren’t tagged, regardless of price. BAM usually has expensive autographed copies of books that can be resold at a larger profit.
Burber%y Outlets use Sensormatic SuperTags so as long as you got a hook your set. Cameras are actively monitored but items going into dressing room are not counted so you can find a way to sneak multiple items into the dressing room and then detag and conceal an item.
Cameras are usually actively monitored. Won’t usually chase, but there are no specific policies. Will always call police, and will usually ban or ask you to leave even if you pass the POS with unpaid merchandise.
Cameras are actively monitored. LP rotate regionally, but have been cut back since the sale of Carson’s to the Proffitt Holding Group. Most stores outside of Illinois don’t tag many items, except for designer handbags and other items over a couple hundred bucks. Staff will call police even if someone is thought to be concealing merchandise.
Staff is very dedicated and classy. One employee is always looking at cameras. While it is one of the easier designer stores, it is still extremely risky. Your best bet is a grab and run.
I have premium membership here but I’ve gotten in without my card before, just say your parents are in there. The only thing I’ve taken from here is a book, I think books are easy here. I haven’t tried anything else because it’s Costco and everything is large. I wouldn’t take clothes here either.
C%stc% is a membership-only store, but there is a way to gain access to the store if you’re not a member (and you shouldn’t be if you plan to lift, since Costco has the personal information of all members). By US law, a store can’t limit their pharmacy to members, so you can walk in the door with a “prescription”, then grab whatever you want. Furthermore, you can claim to be using the optical section and they will let you in. Also, the card-checkers at the door rarely look closely at your membership card so just flash an expired card or make a laminated fake. Receipt-checkers make theft hard, so either conceal everything, or have a fake receipt ready. The only cameras in the store are by the registers, so every other part of the store is a blind spot. If they see you stealing, they will call the police and prosecute.
Cameras are usually non actively monitored. LP rotates regionally, usually working two, 8-hour shifts per week at specific stores (especially when large thefts are discovered). CV$ is usually bad a tagging merchandise that Corporate would want tagged. Regular staff won’t chase, but LP can confront you in store, but they will only try to get your license plate.
While they employee LP and actively monitor cameras in most locations, LP is poor and there are may easy blind spots to conceal in. Only security is concentrated near the firearms section (for “safety reasons”). LP usually won’t chase, but they sometimes break company policy. Police will almost always be called once a lifter leaves the store.
Cameras are monitored actively, and a few LP are usually working. They don’t typically employ plainclothes AP/LP, but treat all customers as potential LP. Dillard’s will chase, ban, and prosecute. When a large lift is attempted, LP will not hesitate to physically detain lifters.
I’ve never even been here but I am positive it’s baby level easy.
No LP, and staff is usually older. Strict no chase policies are in place, and cameras are not actively monitored.
Easy to get a bag full of items. I really only make sure I am not directly in view of a camera or next to people just for peace of mind.
Oftentimes, the cameras are fake. Few employees are usually in store. DT doesn’t want to waste money on security or LP because their products are cheap. Basically a free-for-all.
Just sounds easy, I’m sure it is.
Sometimes they don’t even have cameras. At most they will have four employees in the store, but they usually only have one or two. Extremely easy as long as you watch over your shoulders.
Easy as pie but I don’t think I’d get away with carrying $200 worth of merchandise in a tote bag kind of easy. (Maybe if I go to one with self checkout I could..) Just be sure nobody is around, I don’t even notice cameras which makes me wonder if there are even any at mine. During summer lots of their workers are teens so they’re too busy joking around to notice anything.
Among the easiest stores. Staff mostly remain at the counter unless they are stocking items. They will call police after a lifter has left the store. Cameras are few if any, and aren’t actively monitored. Five and Below only really cares about ORC and internal theft, but employs no LP. Staff don’t care to stop obvious lifters, and will usually just attempt to get a license plate number, or picture of them.
Both don’t monitor cameras except ones in the back (to prevent ORC). Staff won’t chase, but they will ban, prosecute, and try to get a license plate number or picture of the suspect. LP is regional, and is usually called in after thefts.
Generally an easy store. At matt locations, the check-out lanes “block” the exits which makes the possibility of being spotted greater. Cameras tend to be monitored (especially when big shipments are coming in). LP is nonexistent, and it is up to managers to stop you. F%od Li%n will ban, and sometimes prosecute. Police are almost always called.
Usually they only have one or two non monitored, non-recording cameras. Employee(s) will usually remain at the counter or on the sales floor, so theft or concealment is difficult. Higher end electronics are kept in locked cabinets. Efforts to lift from G%mestop are usually futile.
Easier than Banana Republic. Cameras are usually not monitored, but are well placed. Cashier desk is far from the main door. Door alarms are ubiquitous in use. LP situation unknown. Be cautious and don’t conceal on the floor unless the item is small.
Won’t chase. No LP. Doesn’t actively monitor cameras (cameras are very few). Regional managers are usually concerned with and tasked with tackling internal theft. Employees will at most try to get a license plate, and they may ban you if they see you conceal in store.
Never been in a G%cci store but do not even try this- there’s no way it’s worth the risk. It’s G%CCI, I’d be surprised if you didn’t have eyes on you the entire time. Don’t do it.
Good LP and PTZ cameras. They won’t hesitate to tackle you and do anything to retrieve merchandise.
Frequently uses plainclothes in US stores. Cameras are sometimes actively monitored. LP at H&|\/| is fairly good for a small store. Will usually call mall security if they think someone is stealing.
Unbelievably easy. I have stolen so many raw crystals, expensive jewelry beads, and more. Instead of a blind spot I usually slip things into my bag as I walk around the isles. I have unboxed things and put the contents in my bag with great success. Do not be afraid here, just be confident.
Fairly easy, but still the hardest craft store. They do employ limited LP who will try to apprehend shoplifters once they pass the POS. Often they will ask for the merchandise back and just ban you. Police are called if any employee or customer is physically injured or if threats are made. In that case, they will prosecute.
Cameras aren’t monitored, and there is no LP. Many stores have door alarms as a deterrent, because they are too far away to be seen or possibly heard at the cashier desk. H%IIister will call mall security. They won’t chase, but they will ask for merchandise back or issue a Civil Demand, and they will ban permanently. All clothing in the store is tagged with Sensormatic SuperTags so a detacher hook is all you need.
What are you even going to steal from here? It doesn’t matter anyways, you’ll get away with it. I mean, I doubt you can take a whole tree from their gardening section, but you’re not going to. Maybe you could take their flowers that are in the parking lot. Just don’t be dumb. Small things (keychains, gum, etc.) are easy to pocket and nothing else is worth it. If you disagree then the rating will be different, but I’m not taking anything bigger than my hand.
While they actively monitor cameras and employ LP, Home Depot LP is usually ineffective at stopping small theft because they have such a large store to cover, which has extremely expensive items spread throughout.
Pretty easy, been lifting here since I was in 5th grade. Patches have tags now unfortunately that will sound an alarm but I think pins are free range. Usually people are afraid to take the pins because they can be placed so close to the cashier. I say confidently browse all the pins and hold onto the ones you want, don’t conceal immediately. Walk around and browse before concealing and leave shortly after doing so. You should be just fine.
Difficulty of HT stores varies wildly. Most don’t have cameras, but some have one near the front desk. In either case, the cameras aren’t monitored unless a robbery or major theft has occurred. There is no LP, but regional managers can be called in if a large theft has occurred. Staff shouldn’t chase you, but store managers have been known to break this policy in an attempt to get pictures or license plate numbers. They will usually call mall security, but not police. Staff usually follow and pester suspected lifters, and they will pretend to straighten displays new you. Their main technique is to offer you something that matches what they think you’ve concealed (this is to intimidate you into dumping the merchandise). Be careful.
Usually I just stick whatever into my purse, very easy to find blindspots. I take stamps, glue, stickers, etc. I’d imagine big items are hard but most craft supplies should fit into a bag. Haven’t ever seen an anti-theft tag on anything.
Many displays near the store entrance make it easy to conceal and leave quickly. There is no LP, but if they see you conceal, they will customer service you to death. Police might be called. Managers can try to call you back into the store, but won’t chase further than the sidewalk. Signs stating “Shoplifters will be prosecuted” are deterrents that make up for a lack of LP or security monitoring. Cameras around these signs are fake, and all J%-%nn cameras have a blindspot within a 5 feet cone of the camera.
Lax LP as far as most department stores go. LP is employed and they actively monitor cameras. Plainclothes are used in high shrink stores.
Extremely good LP, who ESPECIALLY HEAVILY monitor the alcohol. Cameras are always actively monitored. KS LP will go to extreme lengths to apprehend lifters. Police are always called after concealment, or in the event of assault of a staff member.
Surprisingly decent LP who sometimes actively monitor cameras. Cameras don’t always record. They will always chase you, but won’t get physical unless you touch them or try to flee.
I took a tote bag and in the fitting room I put a couple folded t-shirts into it. I kept the items I was buying in my arm and did not put them in my bag. At the register I mentioned I have my own tote so that I wouldn’t need a bag, cashier could not see the tote I was holding behind the counter. As cashier scanned my items I put them into my tote, burying the merchandise. Worked easy as pie. Will be going back if I need clothing. Most clothes are tagged, I do not have much interest at the moment in stealing those things so I pay for them. I have heard a horror story of an arrest, jail, from stealing from Kohls. She took a purse and bag full of very expensive items. Just check in and around boxes for tags and if you want to take that many things, wear shoes you can run in. Will update if I buy a magnet and that changes.
Not too hard to lift from if you conceal in the dressing rooms and leave quickly. Plainclothes are common, and LP is good at making fitting room stops. Never try to return stolen goods to Kohl’s, because they try to flag the serial numbers of stolen merchandise. LP will enter the fitting room cubicle next to a suspected lifter, and will listen for any suspicious noises. Door alarms are very sensitive, so be careful. Company policy encourages LP not to make stops based ONLY on a door alarm being triggered. Issues large Civil Demands, and will report these to collection agencies. Kohl’s, however, cannot enforce a Civil Demand.
Decent LP, who often pose as shelf stockers, and will trail people who conceal merchandise. Kroger tends to case-build on known lifters. Cameras are monitored most of the time, but are sometimes turned off around closing time. Known as one of the harder grocery stores.
Employees are usually on the lookout for less savvy shoplifters that may try and conceal on sales floor so make sure you are not concealing on the sales floor. L%coste stores also sometimes limit the amount of people that are allowed inside the store at a time so it is easier to keep employees from being overwhelmed and a shoplifting incident to occur. If you are going to shoplift here make sure to detag and conceal in the dressing room. L%coste uses pencil tags but not everything is tagged so if you need to detag you will need a strong magnet to remove these but beware some L%coste stores are known to use magnet detecting towers so keep a lookout for short glass see through towers usually placed in front of regular EAS towers.
Employees are encouraged to chase and are given incentives for preventing shoplifting. L&T usually will issue a large civil demand and f**k up your credit score in the process, but they will prosecute if it is an exceptionally large theft, or if people are hurt or threatened. Be cautious.
Similar to H.D., but with less LP. Cameras are usually monitored, especially over the board cutting and cord cutting areas. This is to protect them from lawsuits if someone injures themselves.
Lu$h is usually busy which can be either a help or a hindrance to lifters. There are no tags or door alarms, and the front desk is often far ways from the door. There is usually one or two chasers and at least one employee giving demonstrations on the sales floor. I’m not sure about the camera situation, but I know if caught they will ban you, but won’t usually even try to get the products back because the bath bombs and such probably can’t be resold after having left the store.
Quite hard. Often has large teams of LP in store ranging in size from two to as many as ten. Company policy demands that LP follow the 5 steps to make an apprehension. Cameras are fairly good, and are always being monitored. Head LP managers have access to store cameras even off duty, and will call police if alarms are triggered after closing time. Always chases (incentives are given to employees), and sometimes they prosecute, and sometimes they issue civil demands - no policy determines which they do.
Not to hard. They have considerably less LP and general anti theft measures that Kr%ger. Cameras are almost always actively monitored because Martin’s has large management teams at every store.
Will chase. Usually they won’t employ dedicated LP, but they will have someone monitoring cameras most of the time.
Dangerous store that will chase, ban, and prosecute. Cameras are always monitored.
At more urban stores, expensive art pencils and markers are locked up, but many stores don’t bother. Spray paint is always locked up. Cameras aren’t monitored unless to investigate ORC. Employees are located at the framing counter which is near the main offices, so keep that in mind. Blind spots are numerous. Easy as pie.
Probably the easiest designer boutique. Staff is very dedicated, and treats customers well. If they think you may be lifting, they won’t hesitate to call police and or mall security and stall you until they arrive. Not many bags are usually on display, so theft is noticed extremely quickly. If you must lift from there (they do have BEAUTIFUL bags and wallets) get in and get out.
Cameras are actively monitored but similar to the Burberry Outlet this store uses Sensormatic SuperTags. Ammount of items going into the dressing room are not counted though so feel free to try and conceal in the dressing room.
Usually strict about theft. Cameras are few, but store managers sometimes monitor them. Tagging is frequent. They might chase, but will try to get a license plate number and will always call police.
They have dedicated LP, and regular staff get bonuses for reporting shoplifters. They will chase you usually, but will usually have police waiting. Nordstrom case builds for shoplifting, so don’t return to the same store planning to lift. Cameras are numerous and are actively monitored. Glass cases containing designer wallets and things are usually able to be opened and only appear locked. Staff won’t confront you for opening the case (according to my cousin who has worked there for 9 months). Be careful.
Have not stolen from here but the one near me is quite dead and empty. I suspect that’s how most of them are. Since there’s not much going on I’m sure there’s a cashier or two just waiting to get some work by catching you. With a good blindspot all is well, but I think best to be careful until you know for sure.
Varies depending on the store. Stores considered “low shrink” are easy to lift from, due to lax security. Their cameras are not monitored, and there are no LP. However, “high shrink” stores are quite different. In these stores, the sales lead will dispatch an employee to approach each customer within seconds of them walking in the door. If they think you are suspicious, they will not leave your side, no matter what. Don’t attempt to lift if you’re being tailed in this manner. The cleaning supplies aisle is usually the best blindspot. Some items are spider wrapped. Many things have an RFID tag in them such as headphones, and fine writing pens. These tags are always stuck to the inside of the box. It’s easy to tell, because the box will have been resealed with scotch tape.
Easiest of all the G%P Inc. Stores. Staff usually doesn’t care, and most are not on the sales floor. Dressing rooms are usually messy which makes it easy to conceal. Stealing shoes from Old Navy is easier because there are no shoe boxes. LP exists regionally in urban areas. Cameras are usually actively monitored. Will generally chase, ban, and call police.
Cameras are usually only located near the front of the store. No LP, and cameras aren’t actively monitored. Management only cares about preventing internal theft because pet stores generally have low shrinkage. Employees won’t chase, and many won’t even call police.
Generally the same as Pe%-Co. Pe%Smart holds a lot of dog training classes, so these are good times to lift. Cameras are sometimes reviewed at the end of the day (per company policy) but this rarely happens, especially in small stores.
P%lo R%lph Lauren (OUTLET)
Similar to Tomm% Hilfi%er you should never conceal on floor and instead conceal in the dressing rooms to avoid problems with LP. Based on research i have done not all Polo stores monitor cameras but just to be safe DO NOT conceal on sales floor. Polo uses hard ink tags so make sure to use magnets to remove them. Polo Outlets in the US do not have magnet detecting towers so feel safe to bring your detachers to remove tags from clothing.
Little to no lp unless it becomes a major problem such as repeated lifts of alcohol or electronics. Most cameras are fake. Not actively monitored. Poorly trained staff and managers. Store policy is not to stop suspected lifters but it varies store to store. My moms old manager was a hard ass and tacked more than one person with no repercussions. He has since retired and her new manager has a no confrontation policy. They will however build a case. They got one lady who had been stealing wine bottles for 3 months. They call police and will take further legal action. Multiple blind spots even if cameras are active.if you spot the manager out of the office 99% of the time that means nobody is watching cameras. And even if the manager is in the office they are usually overworked and underpayed so its no issue usually.
When I do lift from here it’s usually after I went to a store before it and have bags from that store. I’ll throw a couple small things in my shopping bag from another store. Things are locked up, it’s pretty busy, and it’s pretty open. As long as you can find a blind spot though it’s easy to get the small things. Overall honestly not worth it, the small things typically include beauty that you can easily find in easier stores for better quality. I have not tried clothing here yet but they do count your hangers when you visit fitting rooms. Maybe you could hide a shirt inside a shirt on a single hanger. I prefer Kohls for that, you can walk right into the fitting rooms that are quite private and the clothes are all nice quality.
They have limited LP, but cameras are usually monitored by one employee with radio contact to the managers. They will often simply ban shoplifters, and won’t call police if they get their merchandise back.
Can be one of the more difficult grocery stores. Cameras are of decent quality, and are usually being watched. If electricity to the store is cut, the cameras will continue to record using a separate backup generator. LP is regional and rotates around stores with high shrinkage. Most stores in wealthier areas can go several months without a visit from district LP.
Same as C%stc%, but a little easier. They can be fairly easy to lift from if you conceal well and move fast. If you’re not obviously carrying anything, the receipt checker will let you pass.
Se%rs has cut back on LP, but still has LP agents in almost every store. LP that is there is highly trained. Sears will sometimes “bait” people into lifting. Some stores don;t have tower alarms. Cameras are always monitored. Sears will chase, and usually prosecute, but might issue a Civil Demand if you cooperate with their LP.
Has very good LP and PTZ cameras. They will always have at least 2 or 3 agents in the store, not including plainclothes. They will chase, call police, and issue civil demands. If employees or customers are hurt, threatened, or if excessive amounts are stolen, they will prosecute. Civil Demand notices come with 1-2 year trespass orders (this applies to all Se%hora’s except those in JCP or M%cy’s).
One of the easier convenience stores to lift from. Cameras exist, but are generally not being monitored, except in the aftermath of large thefts or robberies. There are always at least two or three employees behind the counter. Most stocking is done late at night or after closing, so employees usually stay behind the counter unless they’re cleaning a machine. They won’t call police unless there’s a robbery. If an employee sees you shoplifting, oftentimes they tell you just to never come back. Quite easy.
I disagree with the information for this one especially, people have been caught here from super tiny hidden cameras. I’m sure you can still get away with it, but when you can’t even see all the cameras it’s risky. Lots of workers say they know when you’re stealing and because it’s usually a pretty small store I’d believe them.
Difficulty varies. Most stores have decent low hanging cameras, but they aren’t usually being watched. They use a lot of ink tags on clothing items. Spenc%r’s keeps most expensive items such as sex toys in the back of the store, or on high shelves where you need to get employee assistance to reach. When lifting at Spenc%r’s, have an idea of what you want, and get in and out in under 10 minutes.
Very easy. Older stores have very wide aisles, and mostly fake cameras. Newer stores have shorter, narrower aisles and have real cameras. There are almost never any employees looking at cameras, and there are no real LP efforts to speak of. Employees will congregate near the main door if they see someone concealing, and they might follow at a distance. If you see two or more employees standing directly at the door, DUMP THE GOODS, and leave.
Surprisingly a difficult store. They use decent LP, and lots of decent quality cameras that are constantly monitored. They will almost always prosecute and rarely issue Civil Demand notices. Chase policy depends on the store, but they usually will chase or apprehend past the POS.
No LP, and cameras aren’t actively monitored in mall stores. Glasses are almost all tagged, and employees are told not to leave customers alone in the store with merchandise. Regional managers will often investigate ORC and noticeable shrinkage reported in inventory.
People are pretty scared of this one but personally I’ve had success. I don’t go here often but the times I have I took $30 worth of Prismacolor pencils, a $15 toy, and some junk from the dollar section. I guess I’d only be weary if you’re planning to take anything big. The colored pencils fit in my bag snugly and it looked like I took nothing. Some blind spots around bedsheets and stuff. Just be careful as usual and you’ll be dandy.
Cameras are extremely numerous and are very high quality. Some can PTZ. LP are extremely dedicated, and regular staff are given bonuses or incentives for reporting shoplifting to LP. Target will always chase, call police, ban, or rarely issue a Civil Demand notice. Don’t lift from Target. They will basically take what you stole and shove it up your ass. Also, Target case builds and shares known lifter info with other stores, so they can get you up to a felony amount before contacting police.
Laughably easy. Most stores lack security cameras and those with them are never monitored. The large engraving station is in the back, so if your location has cameras, assume someone is near them. Staff don’t usually care and will stay at the desk. No LP at all. Mostly the company cares about preventing ORC. Concealing is easy as long as you’re in a blind spot from the cashier desk. Their items are expensive and are never tagged. Have fun.
Avoid Concealing on floor because LP situation is unknown. Make sure to conceal in dressing room instead of floor to avoid problems with LP. I believe they probably just check cameras after a shoplift incident is reported. Clothes do not have hard tags but do have soft tags stitched on to the “Remove before washing” paper. Make sure to remove them before walking out to avoid setting off alarms.
Store management may act as LP, and cameras are sometimes actively monitored. Company policy is to not detain parents who are with children under 8. (Regardless of if the child or parent is the lifter). They will usually call police, and may prosecute if they can’t get their stuff back. No specific LP personnel.
Doesn’t chase, will prosecute, and will ban. Always calls police. There are no dedicated LP, but the company likes to hire former LP from other stores as managers in their stores.
Difficulty varies. Stores in malls are usually harder because they often request their storefront to be near the mall security office. Freestanding stores are easier, but staff with call police, and usually issue a Civil Demand but sometimes prosecute. Cameras are PTZ and are almost always monitored. Many items are tagged.
Staff are usually pretty dedicated, and will offer aggressive customer service to suspected lifters. Vans usually calls mall security, and lets them determine whether or not to call police. Cameras are usually in most stores, but are monitored after a theft is noticed.
Like taking candy from a baby. Large shelves and fairly expensive products make this a nice place to snatch some gifts for the ladies in your life.
Great for casual lifting. Can take nearly anything (in most stores) and the addition of self checkout makes it all the better. My local Walmart also charges for bags so it’s typical to bring a big bag in. I use canvas totes so they hold their shape and while walking in you can’t really tell how much it’s filled. I once took a tote with two halloween buckets in it (I was walking home and had to bring it) and filled both buckets with merchandise. Wasn’t even given a second thought. Unless you’re stealing something by the electronics, there are no tags that’ll expose you. If you stand directly under the PTZ cameras it works as a blind spot because they can’t turn downwards.
Poor LP, whose budget and resources have been slashed in recent years. LP efficiency can range from store to store, but it is often easier to lift from Walm%rts in higher income areas. Walmart will almost always chase, and will often prosecute. Company policy is not to prosecute under $25, but this is usually left up to the store or district manager. Staff sometimes, but rarely act as LP. Cameras are always actively monitored, but camera quality isn’t the best, and a cone blindspot exists directly under most cameras because they can’t tilt.
Won’t chase, but will prosecute. No employees are dedicated solely to LP/AP, but store managers can act as LP at their own discretion. Employees are encouraged to try to get plate numbers by looking through windows. Police can be called after the fact. Cameras aren’t usually monitored, but the employee break area is near the cameras, and the manager can access the camera feed through his computer (at newer locations).
These stores have some exits away from the cashiers desk, which makes them easier to steal from. Cameras are sometimes monitored, but when the store is busy, they usually aren’t being watched. Cashiers may yell to lifters who have left the store, and will sometimes try for a license plate number. Oftentimes they will leave cartons of cigarettes out on top of the checkout desks. Good place to try to lift smokes, for those of you who use tobacco!
Easiest grocery store. Despite being a MASSIVE store, cameras are few. Many employees work in the store, but are often too busy to even help regular customers. Someone is always watching the cameras, but the only LP that is always used is managers doing sweeps of the store, or near suspected lifters. Exiting through the market cafe is best, but watch out for employees coming in and out of the catering office. W%gman’s won’t chase (usually), but may call police, and will ban. Wegman’s does a lot of charity work, and if caught, you can sometimes get away by apologizing profusely, and saying you’re hungry and are having trouble feeding your family. They almost always will give you a few small food items and some coupons and let you leave.
Typically doesn’t have cameras, and they are never being monitored. There is usually an employee near the skate stuff near the back room, so pay attention to where they are and where they go. Sales counters are usually far from the door, so you will have extra time to get away if someone notices you. Most hats are tagged, and certain stores will tag shirts, pants, or Herschel bags. Staff won’t chase, and are slow in calling mall security. No LP, except regional managers who will pop in occasionally, or whom are called in. Staff are generally friendly, but are too busy texting and kicking around, so they won’t do much if they suspect you of lifting. They’re supposed to wait until you’ve left the store, and then they will send your description to security.
Small stores, usually with a few employees. Cameras aren’t being monitored, but the highest ranking employee in the store has access to them. If you’re sealing alcohol they will usually phone the police. They may try to get your license plate number, but they generally won’t do much unless you’re causing a disturbance.
