Disney World is an international corporation with several parks, resorts, and offices throughout the United States.
They have proprietary merchandise as well as hosting many other retailers on their properties. Unfortunately, even Disney World retail shops aren’t immune to the recent rash of theft and shoplifting.
Disney World does not publish a lot on their policy because they do not want to compromise its effectiveness. We’ll tell you about what’s covered in Disney World’s shoplifting policy. This does include security personnel, surveillance, and other similar measures.
Disney World’s Official Shoplifting Policy
The only information Disney World provides to the public about their shoplifting policy is on their Park Security page under “Guest Services.” They state they do not discuss particular components of their security protocols.
This helps to avoid compromising the effectiveness of the systems they have in place. Yet, they do want people to understand a few things:
Any visible security systems and procedures at any Disney property include the use of uniformed and undercover police officers on foot, by motorized vehicle, or on a bicycle.
They have canines for hazard detection and assist in helping patrol kiosks and bag checks while also monitoring shoplifting.
Recent Improvements
Since December 2015, Disney has beefed up security measures. Some of this includes selecting Guests randomly for additional screenings with a metal detector.
The modifications made to their security screenings help to reduce contact between Cast Members and guests.
While Disney doesn’t state it outright on their website, they do scan every guest that enters the park and uses AI technology to monitor everyone’s movement.
All employees have training to spot erratic behavior and they follow strict procedures in calling security to the scene.
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Other Indications of Disney World’s Shoplifting Policy
Even though Disney is explicit in staying quiet about their security practices, we did contact them to expatiate further information. To date, they have not responded and we don’t expect them to.
However, there are several traveler and tourist websites regaling us with people’s personal knowledge and experience on the matter.
This also includes several lawyer and public discussion forums. By all accounts, Disney World has a very strict shoplifting policy.
Tight Security
Security is tight and they won’t hesitate to stop anyone they suspect of it, including children and teenagers. Officers will follow suspected shoplifters and use video footage to prove their claims.
Because these are usually bona fide police officers, they have a right to exercise detaining offenders. This will include the use of handcuffs and tackling those who try to run.
When caught, the officer will identify him or herself and tell the shoplifter why they’re stopping them. The officer then escorts the accused into a hallway or other secure location.
The shoplifter can expect to wait several hours before they receive official legal documentation.
Penalties & Legal Action
Offenders face two penalties. The first is that security will escort them out of the park with the condition they’re never to come back. The other is that a local police officer will issue a ticket complete with a court date.
The court system of any given Disney World location will determine if they are going to pursue shoplifting charges.
Even if a shoplifter makes off with stolen merchandise and leaves the premises, they can still receive a charge and banishment from Disney World. In most cases, however, they simply detain shoplifters on the spot.
In the event the local municipality is going through with shoplifting charges, then offenders should expect additional penalties. However, this will depend on if the charges relate to grand or petty theft along with a past criminal history.
Florida Law
In the state of Florida, for anything under $75 and the shoplifter fails to appear in court, the most they’ll get is a fine for not appearing unless there are previous unrelated criminal charges.
Then a warrant may come into the picture. Other than that, Disney will not go through with the prosecution.
However, if the total value was up to $100, this could lead to a 2nd degree misdemeanor charge. This is what the state defines as “Petit Theft” and comes with a max penalty of $500 in fines, 60 days in jail, or both. If the total value is between $100 and $300, this is a 1st degree demeanor.
The penalty could be one year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, one year probation, or all three.
But, if the theft was in excess of $300, then this is a Grand Theft charge which is a felony. This means up to $5,000 in fines, five years in prison, five years of probation, or a combination of the three. Also, there will be a mandatory suspension of driving privileges.
Implementation
First-time offenders often won’t experience maximum penalties. In most cases, they can get their charges dropped as long as the theft falls under the category of “petty theft.”
These people can also eventually have the charge expunged as long as there aren’t any other convictions on their record.
Even if there is a previous criminal history, many are able to avoid jail or prison time. Their penalties often end in classes, community service, some fines, and maybe probation.
Some Public Accounts
While it’s clear that Disney World has a very strict policy against shoplifting, there are a few public accounts from shoplifters that help give us a fuller picture.
Indeed, many people do not get away with stealing, but a few do get away with it successfully.
A Thieving Squirrel
One of the most famous instances of shoplifting at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom happened in June of 2018. Apparently, someone dressed in a squirrel costume sat in a bin full of candy.
He then, in a manner akin to a squirrel, grabbed a bag of peanut M&Ms and immediately ejected himself from his position to run away.
While it’s unclear whether the stealing squirrel ever got caught for this, there are other accounts on several public forums that tell how relatively easy it is to steal.
Guests Witness Shoplifting
In fact, one woman and her husband were at Epcot Center for Illuminations. They were in one of these stores and a guy came in and clearly took off with two shirts wrapped in plastic. No one stopped him and he got away.
Within the hour, they discovered their toddler playing with a toy they didn’t pay for in its stroller. Seemingly, they were too busy distracted with the shoplifter to see their child take a toy off the shelves.
While the couple immediately returned the item to the store, it speaks to the ease with which people can steal from Disney. This instance shows how theft can happen twice in an hour.
Accounts from Shoplifters
If you look on public discussion forums like Reddit or Quora, you’ll find several people admitting their history of stealing or knowing someone who stole from Disney World.
There are many accounts of people clearly getting away with the crime and never facing legal action.
Conclusion
Disney World definitely has a strict shoplifting policy. Police and security comb every location, including theme parks and resorts.
When they catch a shoplifter, they use video footage to detain offenders. The person receives banishment and a police-issued ticket to appear in court.
However, not everyone gets caught. So, while there are some security holes, it’s unlikely for most shoplifters to be successful.
Reference Sources
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/park-security/