In recent news, Target has allegedly been  cracking down on their shoplifting regulations because of its harm to their profit margins. The company reduced the value of what shoplifters can steal before employees can intervene, from $100 to $50. According to a Bloomberg report on Friday, June 28, Target will begin implementing the new policy later this summer. “Our priority remains ensuring the safety of the team and guests while maintaining the positive experience Target shoppers expect,” said a Target spokesperson. 

This new policy is coming on the heels of Target closing nine of its urban locations last fall, including those in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland (OR), and the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan. At the time, Target announced “We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance. We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”

Shoplifting Impact on Retailers

Earlier in the year, Target announced they would begin limiting the items customers can buy in the self-check-out lanes. Mark Fiddelke, Target’s chief financial officer, said “Growth in shrink remains a significant financial headwind and we’re determined to continue making progress in the years ahead”. Shrink is the industry term that refers to inventory loss caused by shoplifting, vendor fraud, and administrative errors. Recently, shrink has been having a greater impact on other retailers like Dollar General and Walmart, who have similarly begun limiting self-checkout counters at locations where shrink is a major problem. Other strategies for retailers include keeping everyday items like toothpaste and deodorant behind locked glass cabinets, hiring additional security, and installing more cameras. 

Consequences of Shoplifting in New Jersey

Shoplifting is a common crime in New Jersey, often seen as minor, but in reality can have  very serious consequences. Stealing items worth less than $200 is considered a disorderly persons offense, or a misdemeanor, while stealing items over $200 is a felony, classified as either a second, third, or fourth degree offense depending on the value of the property. Convictions can result in fines, jail time, a criminal record, job loss, and impact on immigration status. Oftentimes shoplifters will also be banned from the company’s premises, and they will have to reimburse the store for what they stole in addition to paying fines. However, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help individuals accused of shoplifting avoid these consequences.

Contact Us With Your Shoplifting Charge Today

If you or a loved one was charged with shoplifting in New Jersey, contact Rosenblum Law today. Our expert criminal defense attorneys have helped many people in similar situations avoid the worst possible consequences. E-mail or call us at 888-815-3649 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.