Shoplifting is a problem at any store, even in larger stores such as ASDA. To combat this problem, ASDA has implemented measures to stop shoplifters. If you want to avoid being accused of shoplifting, knowing ASDA’s shoplifting policy is essential.
Customers caught shoplifting are issued a fine and a storewide ban, depending on the severity of the case. In some instances, the store even takes the shoplifter to court, especially if the total value of the loss is high.
Of course, these actions are reserved for the worst offenders only. Let’s look further at how ASDA deals with honest mistakes.
Security Tags
Security tags on the most valuable items are common in any store, including ASDA. It’s always the first step in deterring shoppers from stealing valuable merchandise.
These are typically reserved for expensive spirits, electronics, and fragrances, though it has recently included food items such as butter, baby formula, and steak.
Depending on the security tag, it can trigger an alarm when smuggled past the barriers at the exit or when removed forcefully. Some can also restrict you from correctly using the item, while others are enclosed in a protective casing.
Some specialized ones dump ink on the item when the tag is forcefully removed; you’ll typically find these on clothing.
And for expensive bottles of alcohol, ASDA places a special tag that covers the cap area, preventing thieves from opening the product.
Unless you’re willing to risk getting caught at the exit or have a way of removing the security tag without damaging the item, you’ll need to consult a store employee to get them removed safely.
And if you somehow manage to get home without the tag triggering the alarm, you’ll have to bring the item back to get it detagged safely.
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Cameras Placed at Self-Checkout
Stores put a lot of trust in customers to be truthful when using self-checkout options, especially when they take advantage of scan-as-you-go. Unfortunately, people still find ways to take advantage of this trust.
To combat this problem, all ASDA’s self-checkout stations have cameras attached. Each camera focuses on the customer, recording a clear view of their actions.
This makes it easier for the store to monitor if the customer purposefully did not scan an item or if they scanned something significantly cheaper instead of the more expensive item.
Scan-as-you-go users are also subject to recording, with spot checks to ensure the accuracy of their scans. And while one or two forgotten items can be forgiven as an honest mistake, multiple unscanned items indicate a more serious issue.
The camera typically alerts staff silently if there’s something suspicious going on at that checkout station.
Currently, these cameras are used for loss prevention only; no personal information is stored per privacy policies.
Eventually, these cameras will also be used for age verification, eliminating the need to wait for a human employee to check a customer’s ID.
Bag Checks if the Alarm Goes Off Near the Exit
While most shoppers prefer bringing their own reusable bags to carry their items home, some shoplifters see this as an easy exploit.
They rely on the fact that store employees cannot dig through someone’s personal belongings, so they use their other items to cover for their stolen product.
And while this might occasionally work for cheaper items, this tactic won’t work all the time. Stores have specialized tags discreetly placed on products and deactivated once they go through checkout.
These tags have radio frequency identification chips (RFID), and they react when coming into close proximity to a receiver.
Failing to deactivate this tag triggers an alarm once the product passes through the detectors near the store’s exit. Of course, it’s possible that the tag didn’t get deactivated properly at checkout, so be prepared to show your receipt or have someone deactivate the tag to avoid triggering the alarm again.
Even if you didn’t buy anything, these sensors could still sound an alarm; they’re usually from other items or even your clothing.
Active RFID tags, even ones from other stores, can and do sometimes trip up sensors. If this happens, calmly explain your situation.
Security Guards Near the Entrance/Exit
Sometimes, the best deterrent is the mere presence of authority, which is why ASDA stores typically have security guards posted near the doors.
They can monitor what’s happening at the checkout lanes and quickly take action should someone get caught red-handed. Their positioning is also meant to put thieves on edge, letting them know someone is watching.
Most of the time, guards are the first ones to react whenever the security barriers sound their alarm. Depending on their observations, they can ask to look inside the bags or wave the customers through.
They can also alert law enforcement if a shoplifter runs to the door and escapes the store premises.
But if they notice a customer deliberately trying to cheat at self-checkout, they can stop the customer and inspect their bags closer.
If the offense involves only one or two items, the security guard can either tell the customer to go back and pay for the items or confiscate them before letting them go.
Otherwise, the guard can escalate the problem for further action if necessary.
Storewide Ban
Sometimes, the shoplifting occurrence is so severe that store management has no choice but to take further action. The customer may become disruptive and refuse to let store employees check their bags for potentially stolen products.
When confiscating the stolen merchandise or asking them to pay for it is no longer appropriate, a heavier hand is needed.
In this case, the store manager can issue a storewide ban against the shoplifter. This is documented company-wide, and employees are instructed to stop the shopper from entering the store in the future.
ASDA’s corporate offices also retain this information in case of any escalation the shopper might take to appeal their ban.
Some bans can extend throughout all of ASDA’s stores, not just in one location. Photos of banned customers are usually posted internally, and it’s up to employees to alert each other whenever they see someone who shouldn’t be there.
The written document should mention whether the ban is only for one or all stores.
Depending on the severity, bans can be as short as a month but can increase to a year or even a lifetime. The store will usually issue a written document describing the length and reasoning for the ban, and both parties retain a copy.
The shopper can then appeal the ban to ASDA’s corporate office, and it’s up to them whether to lift or uphold the ban.
Fine or Court Appearance
For chronic shoplifters or those who tried to steal very expensive items, the store can decide to recoup their financial losses by issuing a fine or taking the matter to court.
Issuing a fine is typically accompanied by a store ban, but this is preferable because the shoplifter can settle the issue immediately.
Of course, this only works if the shoplifter can afford to pay the fine on the spot; if not, law enforcement will get involved in collection efforts.
But if ASDA’s losses are severe and a fine isn’t going to cut it, the store can get the court system involved. This is considered a last resort, reserved for repeat offenders who have been documented to steal several items with a high accumulated value.
The court will then decide how the store can recoup its losses and what kind of punishment the accused will get.
ASDA typically works with law enforcement to determine whether a court action is appropriate for that particular shoplifting offense.
Police will only advise court action if the offender has a previous criminal history, which may or may not include other shoplifting charges.
Final Thoughts
Even though the thought of getting sued by ASDA for shoplifting is terrifying, it’s clear that the store tries its best to prevent shoplifting.
From security tags to strategically-placed cameras, ASDA is willing to employ various methods to stop shoplifting from occurring. After all, prevention is always more economical than prosecution.
If all else fails, ASDA is fearless in recovering its losses to the fullest extent of the law. The process might be inconvenient for everyone, but some shoplifters simply refuse to learn their lesson.
And it’s these occurrences that cause the store to clamp down even further on security.
References
https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/lurpak-butter-supermarkets-security-tags-price-rises/