Shoplifting

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mrtoad

Well-Known Member
civileng68 said:
As a former retail employee. I can tell you why they cannot bring them back into the store and question them. The reasoning is that technically they can , but when they leave the doors of the store, they are as good as free because IF they were to be brought back in and not have stolen anything, you'd have a lawsuit on your hands for harrassment and surely something with public humiliation. It's not a risk most companies are willing to take. At J.C. Penny the policy was, if they left the door, they were gone. So security would try at all costs to get them before they exit.

So unless they actually catch them doing it, it could be harrassment if you question them in or out of the store. I mean if you catch them 2 feet from leaving and you are assuming they have something they stole in their pocket or bag, and they don't would that be harrasement?

Also, in regards to bringing them back in and asking for a receipet would not work in a place like WDW. The same shirt sold in one store could be sold in many. Who is not to say that they did buy it earlier in the day and no longer have the receipt? I would say unless you actually catch the person putting it in a bag or pocket you can't do anything.

When we were in WDW in Jan/Feb my daughter had purchased several small rubber type toys in the parks and carried them with her throughout the trip. So if someone came to use on Thrusday and asked us about a toy she was playing with, we might not have the receipt because it was purchased on Monday. There is no way would could have kept every receipt with us at all times, it would be a huge stack from everything from meals to water mice to toys. It would be crazy. So again, unless you are actually caught in the act, I don't think they could or would do anything.

Does that make sense?
 

civileng68

Account Suspended
maybe true

Laura22 said:
That doesn't even make sense though, because you haven't actually STOLEN something until you've walked out the door without paying for it.

I'd love to be one of those undercover people!


This may be true, I don't know the exact laws, but, I know from working retail that if someone went into a dressing room and put on shorts under their blue jeans, we considered that stealing and could stop them.

Granted they may be committing the crime once they leave the store but, they can be stopped for questioning with no recourse while still in the store. They cannot be arrested, I know that. However, they can be kicked out of the store and legally told not to return. If they returned they could be arrested.

WE had the situation many times and would simply escort them from the store. In the past you could chase them (and still can if you want) but due to so many lawsuits in today's society everyone plays it safe.
 

civileng68

Account Suspended
well

mrtoad said:
So unless they actually catch them doing it, it could be harrassment if you question them in or out of the store. I mean if you catch them 2 feet from leaving and you are assuming they have something they stole in their pocket or bag, and they don't would that be harrasement?

Also, in regards to bringing them back in and asking for a receipet would not work in a place like WDW. The same shirt sold in one store could be sold in many. Who is not to say that they did buy it earlier in the day and no longer have the receipt? I would say unless you actually catch the person putting it in a bag or pocket you can't do anything.

When we were in WDW in Jan/Feb my daughter had purchased several small rubber type toys in the parks and carried them with her throughout the trip. So if someone came to use on Thrusday and asked us about a toy she was playing with, we might not have the receipt because it was purchased on Monday. There is no way would could have kept every receipt with us at all times, it would be a huge stack from everything from meals to water mice to toys. It would be crazy. So again, unless you are actually caught in the act, I don't think they could or would do anything.

Does that make sense?


I'm not a lawyer but here's what I mean.......................legally you could really question them anytime you want, you could chase them, stop them and demand to search their bags legally. However, in today's society anyone can file a lawsuit over anything. Even if they are sure to lose, they can file a lawsuit. Most companies feel that it costs more to go into a lawsuit (hiring corporate attorneys), even if they win, than to just take the loss for the price of clothing.

This is what many companies think...................."WE just lost $100.00 in retail items, but to go to court was cost us $150.00 per hour in attorney fees in a case that would require hours and hours of research and trial." Even on a quick case it's just not cost effective to fight it. So, most companies simply go the route of trying to avoid lawsuits, so they try to play it simple. Some go more simple than others. At JC Penny we would question but only if they were within the store. Once out, leave em alone.
 

mrtoad

Well-Known Member
civileng68 said:
I'm not a lawyer but here's what I mean.......................legally you could really question them anytime you want, you could chase them, stop them and demand to search their bags legally. However, in today's society anyone can file a lawsuit over anything. Even if they are sure to lose, they can file a lawsuit. Most companies feel that it costs more to go into a lawsuit (hiring corporate attorneys), even if they win, than to just take the loss for the price of clothing.

This is what many companies think...................."WE just lost $100.00 in retail items, but to go to court was cost us $150.00 per hour in attorney fees in a case that would require hours and hours of research and trial." Even on a quick case it's just not cost effective to fight it. So, most companies simply go the route of trying to avoid lawsuits, so they try to play it simple. Some go more simple than others. At JC Penny we would question but only if they were within the store. Once out, leave em alone.

I was just trying to state that it really does not make sense in a place like WDW for them to even consider questioning you unless they catch you in the act. With the same merchandise being sold all over and people are there for days, weeks at a time, there is a chance that they purchased it earlier and in another store.

In a place like JC Penny or the Gap it would be easier to question becuase a Gap shirt is sold only at the Gap or an Arizon Jean Co. shirt is only sold at JP Penny (I believe).

Probably WDW does not want to take a chance of being wrong an alienating a potential recurring guest.
 

TheDisneyGirl02

New Member
I know somebody who was caught shop lifting in MK and she was fined and I think she may have had to do some community service. I don't even know what was stolen, but I do know she did get in trouble for it. I know it wasn't a good situation for good reasons. I couldn't believe that she had stolen something. I was there at the time working and all she would have had to do was ask me for some money and I would have given it to her. Oh well...

TheDisneyGirl02
 

djmatthews

Well-Known Member
This is an interesting one. Like many organisations, Disney will understand there will be discrepancies in their stock-takes, but as mentioned, they have to weigh the cost of legal procedures and/or increased security (cameras, alarms, extra cast) against the value of goods. Bare in mind that the actual cost price of many wide spread Disney goods are not going to be that high. Things like mugs, T-Shirts, plush toys, pins will not cost Disney that much. Do any CMs know the cost price of Disney gifts?

I think the pin stations look the most venerable. The CM could be serving a guest or pin trading one side of the cart, while another dishonest guest is filling up their handbag with "free" gifts :fork: Maybe that's why new pins are cheaper on eBay :lol:

Only a few weeks ago I stole a catalogue from Habitat (Interior Design / Furniture Store) I did not realise I had to pay £1 for them :veryconfu
 

civileng68

Account Suspended
Agreed

mrtoad said:
I was just trying to state that it really does not make sense in a place like WDW for them to even consider questioning you unless they catch you in the act. With the same merchandise being sold all over and people are there for days, weeks at a time, there is a chance that they purchased it earlier and in another store.

In a place like JC Penny or the Gap it would be easier to question becuase a Gap shirt is sold only at the Gap or an Arizon Jean Co. shirt is only sold at JP Penny (I believe).

Probably WDW does not want to take a chance of being wrong an alienating a potential recurring guest.


Oh I completely agree! If you did not see them doing it, you better not say anything to them if you don't want trouble in return because unless you saw them do it, they can claim they got it somewhere else. In fact, many theifs do that in the "real" world. The minute they leave the store, if not before, they tear off tags so if they are caught outside the store they can claim they got them somewhere else.

In my opinion, the legal system in this country needs to tighten up a little, and why? Even within my own family there has been issues where I'm like "they need to do something about this". My cousin has been convicted of escape and run when a minor, she has been convicted of posession of heroin, use of heroin, posession of marijuana, DUI, assaulting an officer, breaking and entering, threats (against her own parents), burglary. There's more that I cant even remember. Everyone of these things were seperate offenses and seperate arrests, yet guess what, her DUI was just last week and she's getting out of jail this week. I just don't get it. No wonder people aren't afraid to steal in today's society.
 

civileng68

Account Suspended
lol

djmatthews said:
This is an interesting one. Like many organisations, Disney will understand there will be discrepancies in their stock-takes, but as mentioned, they have to weigh the cost of legal procedures and/or increased security (cameras, alarms, extra cast) against the value of goods. Bare in mind that the actual cost price of many wide spread Disney goods are not going to be that high. Things like mugs, T-Shirts, plush toys, pins will not cost Disney that much. Do any CMs know the cost price of Disney gifts?

I think the pin stations look the most venerable. The CM could be serving a guest or pin trading one side of the cart, while another dishonest guest is filling up their handbag with "free" gifts :fork: Maybe that's why new pins are cheaper on eBay :lol:

Only a few weeks ago I stole a catalogue from Habitat (Interior Design / Furniture Store) I did not realise I had to pay £1 for them :veryconfu


True, Disney's "wholesale" cost is much less than their retail. In fact, that's probably why they don't push it more, they probably pay so little for most items they really know it's not worth it, plus they don't want other guests seeing someone making a scene. It's bad show.

I bet we'd all be sick if we knew what Disney pays at "wholesale" cost for their products that we buy for way too much money! :)
 

westie

Well-Known Member
Shopping in Dtd two young girls entered the store, walked up to the garment rack. One girl grabbed a pair of shorts and stepped right into them, buttoned them, and walked out. I was shocked! I turned to the woman at the countered and said,"Did you see that! That girl just stole those shorts!"
The girl at the counter asked where and I said,"Right there!" As she had the tag on the back clearly exposed. The employee got on the phone which lasted like 5 seconds, thanked me and gave me a 50% off cupon for shopping. Whether or not they caught the girl, I don't know.
 

mrtoad

Well-Known Member
westie said:
Shopping in Dtd two young girls entered the store, walked up to the garment rack. One girl grabbed a pair of shorts and stepped right into them, buttoned them, and walked out. I was shocked! I turned to the woman at the countered and said,"Did you see that! That girl just stole those shorts!"
The girl at the counter asked where and I said,"Right there!" As she had the tag on the back clearly exposed. The employee got on the phone which lasted like 5 seconds, thanked me and gave me a 50% off cupon for shopping. Whether or not they caught the girl, I don't know.

It is saw world. People should have more respect. I can only hope teaching my daughter the right things will prevent stuff like that. I know that there is no garauntee that teaching her to be good will result in that but, it is a better start than not teaching her.
 

NeedABreak

New Member
There are just some people that steal, and I hate to say it but it seems to be a family thing. Working in retail I have seen it all, there are many times that mothers come in and there kids will load the giant diaper bag she has on with merchandice. I work alone in my shop alot and the only way I can get these people is to lock the door and block the way untill they give back the goods (security is a joke, I have never really seen the guy who claims to be the securiy guard).

As far as stealing, violence, disgusting lanuage, and other such behavior in the parks, IT MAKES ME SICK!

I go to WDW to get away from the type of shoplifting scum I deal with working on the edge of Jackson, MS (never go to jackson! Never Never Never!!!! It is the worst smelling, most crime ridden, disgusting pit I have ever seen! the rest of MS is really pretty nice, I was supprised when we moved here)
 

phlydude

Well-Known Member
I think the worst shoplifter is the old chew and screw. Someone gets their meal and leaves the bill on the table as if they paid but walks out the door without leaving a cent. The worst part of this is that the server is liable for the food and they are out of a tip on the meal as well. I see teens do this all the time @ Friendly's. If I were the manager there, the teens would have to pay before the food order is placed.
 

netenyahoo

New Member
Laura22 said:
There's NOTHING they can do? Why couldn't they have dragged the teenagers back in the store and asked them to show their receipts?

Some of those stores, like World of Disney, are so crazy with people darting all over the place they must lose thousands of dollars in merchandise from shoplifters.

We all wonder why stuff is so expensive at the parks - well it is to cover all the stolen merchandise.
 

weluvtink

Member
ScrapIron said:
You just have to know your kid and what's important to him/her. I've kept my vow to never spank my son, but a few years ago, as a for instance, I did remove every single toy from his room for a spell. There are many ways to get a child's attention that do not involve violence.
I agree. Also, why get so angry if your child is cranky? You can't take a four year old into the heat and run all over from opening to closing and expect them to be happy. I have two kids of my own and seven nieces and nephews of various ages that we have taken to the parks. Not one trip did I feel the need to smack the kids.
 

Maria

New Member
lborne said:
I'm surprised no one else mentioned the "foxes". I worked Main Street Ops one summer and had lots of time to just wander around the shops and stuff. I noticed this one older gentlemen in the stores all the time. He knew I realized something was up and when I finally talked to him, he told me he worked for Disney. He was dressed like a tourist and even wore a disney cap. His job was to walk around the shops and watch for theft. He told me that he only watches peoples hands. If he saw someone stealing, he would wait until they left the store and then escort them to security.

Obviously they can't have enough people to watch all the stores.

You missed my previous post! :( http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showpost.php?p=691294&postcount=30

;)
 

mrtoad

Well-Known Member
Maria said:
(On a related note, a CM friend of mine ended up reporting to security, a guest who she thought was 'harrasing' her because he was always around her location. The 'guest' was in reality, a security guard! It was so funny... needless to say, he switched positions, his face was getting too familiar already. LOL ) ;)

Had not thought about that. I would think for a woman if some guy was always hang around like that it would make you nervous.
 

LoriMistress

Well-Known Member
This happend to a friend in high school a about seven years ago. She was at DL and she didn't steal anything from the store, but her friends did and she was "arrested" with her friends at the park. Herself and her friends were in the castle and they have a Mickey Mouse "cell" that they store you in and you have wait until the park closes or your parents pick you up to excort you from the parks.
 

WDWScottieBoy

Well-Known Member
LoriMistress said:
This happend to a friend in high school a about seven years ago. She was at DL and she didn't steal anything from the store, but her friends did and she was "arrested" with her friends at the park. Herself and her friends were in the castle and they have a Mickey Mouse "cell" that they store you in and you have wait until the park closes or your parents pick you up to excort you from the parks.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend in that case. Was it "guilty by association" or did she ever find out why she was put in there with them if she apparently didn't do anything wrong. I still can't get over the fact that people want to steal...anywhere, not just at WDW.
 

HolleBolleGijs

Well-Known Member
A bunch of kids from my high school got busted for trying to steal jewelry from Disney and broomsticks from Uni during their senior trip. And by "busted" I mean nothing actually happened to them, although I personally believe they should have been forced to live out the rest of their days as dementors in Forbidden Journey.
 

DisneyJunkie

Well-Known Member
I don't think I've seen anyone steal while there, but it has often amazed me at the very lackadaisical or cavalier manner in which the various little shops (stores or sidewalk stands) have their sale merchandise displayed. For some reason the first thing that comes to mind is the little stand outside of Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland. The CM is on one side and the display of goods goes all around and it's full of dolls and little toys and things. How ridiculously easy it would be for anyone to just take something, keep going, and never break stride. Or for that matter, if I think of a place like MouseGear or Emporium, for anything located close to the doors, it could be a kleptomaniac's paradise. They must not care or figure they're charging so much more than they need to for the gifts that it would balance out any loss from theft.
 
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