Illinois Walmarts New Way to Stop Theft and You Won’t Like It

In 2022, theft accounted for $112.1 billion in retail sales losses. Walmart has implemented new sneaky ways to catch thieves and you won't like it at all.

Retail Theft is a Huge Problem

According to the 2023 National Retail Security Survey from the National Retail Federation, $112.1 billion dollars in sales was lost due to shoplifters. That's a 20% increase from 2021. Retail losses that year totaled $93.9 billion.

When you're losing sales of that magnitude, companies will do just about anything to try and deter theft.

Self-checkout can definitely be blamed for much of the theft problem. It seems almost too easy to just 'forget' to scan an item and toss it in your bag.

According to a recent story from The Street, Walmart is trying all kinds of ways to crack down on shoplifting. They just built a new store in the Atlanta area with a police station inside the store.

While Walmart has removed self-checkout stations from several stores, the ones that still have them are trying a new method to catch thieves in the act.

Walmart is Cracking Down on Shoplifters

According to a former Walmart employee, whose TikTok video is quoted on thestreet.com,

If you have been to Walmart, you have probably been in these self-checkouts. What you probably didn't know is that Walmart employees who work in the self-checkout area carry devices called TC Devices.

A TC device is that little handheld device employees carry and with it, they can see everything you're buying at self-checkout.

Get our free mobile app

@obeygoddess continues,

We're able to see everything you are purchasing, how much your total purchase is, and how much each item costs.

Walmart employees who have one of these devices have the option to pause self-checkout and "pretend that there's something wrong with the machine if we suspect that you are stealing," @obeygoddess said.

At that point, you have no choice but to call for help and once we come over we pretend like something is wrong with the machine.

Which couldn't be any further from the truth. You got 'paused' because they suspect you're trying to steal something.

MORE: Walmart Is Cracking Down On Customers In Illinois Who Use These

What comes next is either the employee going through everything in your bags or just taking you up to the main checkout.

@obeygoddess closed her video with this:

The point is: Do not steal from Walmart self-checkout. They can see everything

Watch her entire video below.

MORE: Stock Up Immediately If You See This Symbol On Illinois Costco Signs