Surprising Items Still Locked Up at Walmart & Target in Illinois

At the beginning of 2024, a new shoplifting crackdown began. Walmart & Target stores in Illinois locked up some unusual items.

We know how it goes, beauty, hygiene, baby formula, and jewelry products were already being secured from shoplifters because theft was so high in recent years.  Then, we hear more items were getting locked up as of this year.

Read More: 11 Most Stolen Items At Walmart In Illinois

I totally understand why electronics, like Nintendo Switches, Xbox, and laptops are behind plexiglass.... but Walmart and Target started dabbling in the undergarments section.  What the heck?

Apparently, theft had gotten so bad that Walmart and Target stores locked up underwear and socks as of January 2024.  It's the norm now.

Behind Bars At Walmart & Target: Underwear And Socks

Never thought we'd see the day, but it has finally become the norm to click the "assistance" button in the aisle to get a pack of undies from behind glass.

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I've seen people steal the cheapest products, but sometimes they can't even afford to breathe.  I get it, but stealing is definitely not the answer.  There are cameras everywhere!

"Stealing items valued at $500 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, but the charges and penalties increase as the value of the stolen items increases. Theft of items valued at $500 to $10,000 is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison." [jaldrichlaw]

Read More: Are Illinois Walmart Stores Getting Rid Of Self-Checkout Lanes?

I'm just confused how it went from electronics to underwear.  What a drastic shift in items that are considered "theft-prone".

"on a limited basis, we employ theft deterrent merchandising strategies, such as locking cases, for categories that are prone to theft." [nbcbayarea]

It's the worst when you page for assistance, it goes over the loud speaker, and then the employee has to wait for you to make a decision.  Absolutely wild the world we live in.