If you’ve ever taken items from a Goodwill store, you might be wondering what they are likely to do if they catch you.
Like all stores, Goodwill has the right to prosecute shoplifters. Some people think that because it is a charity, it will turn a blind eye to stealing, but this isn’t true. Goodwill can and does pursue shoplifters and may prosecute them.
Let’s learn more about how Goodwill deals with thefts!
Does Goodwill Prosecute Shoplifters?
Goodwill has the same rights as all other stores when it comes to handling shoplifters. It can ban them, or report them to the police, who may require the shoplifter to appear in court.
This can lead to fines and jail time if the individual is found guilty of shoplifting.
The store can also ask for damages to cover their losses; these could be a lot higher than the cost of the item.
Because Goodwill is a charity and depends on donations, there is something of a myth that they won’t pursue shoplifters. After all, they get the items for free, so why should they stop other people from taking them?
However, this is not the case. Goodwill depends upon the sale of their donations in order to make enough money to survive and do charity work (including supporting individuals in the local community).
If they ignore thefts and don’t attempt to prevent shoplifting, they are at risk of being unable to meet their overheads and help the individuals who depend on them.
For this reason, Goodwill can and does pursue shoplifters. The store has the same rights as for-profit stores. They may stop you, search you, and report you to the police.
What Happens If You Shoplift From A Goodwill?
If you are suspected of stealing from a Goodwill, there are multiple potential outcomes. The first is that the staff may choose just to watch you initially to make sure that you are stealing, and to check it’s worthwhile pursuing you.
If you only steal a very small amount of merchandise, they may decide it isn’t (but be aware that there’s no guarantee of this). If you steal a large amount or high-value items, you’re at major risk of being detained.
Another possible outcome is that a member of staff will approach you as you attempt to leave the store and ask if they can help you pay for your items or ask you to show them the contents of your bag.
This won’t always happen, even if they know you have been stealing, as many stores attempt to avoid confrontations and negative press.
You may be asked to go into a back room, and the store may call the police. If this happens, you will probably be asked for your details, and you may be asked to sign paperwork relating to the incident. Note that you aren’t legally obliged to comply with the store’s demands, and you can ask for a lawyer. If the police ask for your details, you should give them.
The third possible outcome is that nobody will stop you, but the staff will note down any details they have about you.
If you pay for an item as well as steal something, they may take your name from your credit card. They will also write down a description of you, as well as any other information they have.
They will then forward this information to the police, along with a report. The police will look into the incident and decide whether to follow up with you. You might receive a court summons or other instructions.
Those are the three most likely outcomes of stealing from a Goodwill.
Read also >> Does Goodwill Have Security Cameras? (Here Is Why)
Read also >> Does Goodwill Have A No Chase Policy? (Loss Prevention + More)
What Is Goodwill Doing To Discourage Shoplifting?
Goodwill has recently discussed the challenges it is facing with regard to shoplifting. It has even closed its fitting rooms recently in an attempt to curb losses.
This has led to a major outcry among the shoppers, who are frustrated about not being able to try garments on.
Almost every Goodwill store has shut its fitting rooms. This is because fitting rooms are one of the places where it’s easiest for shoplifters to strike. They can remove the security tags from clothing and conceal items in their bags without being in view of staff or cameras.
Like many other stores, Goodwill has a good network of cameras in most locations, but these obviously are not set up to see the inside of fitting rooms.
That means shoplifters often carry items into the fitting room before stealing them.
By closing the fitting rooms, Goodwill is hoping to reduce thefts, but a lot of shoppers are threatening to boycott the store, and it remains to be seen whether this decision will stand.
Can You Take Items From Unsorted Donations?
If you come across unsorted donations while you’re at Goodwill, you might be wondering if this is a gray area that doesn’t really count as shoplifting.
Until the donations have been sorted and priced, taking them might seem like fair game, as they aren’t yet in the store’s system and haven’t been cataloged.
However, it is still shoplifting to take from unsorted donations, and it’s important to be aware of this. The donations belong to the store, and the lack of a price tag doesn’t mean they are free to take.
If you see an item you want in the donations box, you should speak to a member of staff and see if you can get it priced so you can buy it.
You also can’t make exchanges for items in the donations box. Some people do this thinking that if they are making a donation at the same time, it’s okay, but again, it isn’t true.
There’s no way to tell if the item you’re donating is of the same value as the item in the box, and Goodwill doesn’t offer item exchanges.
You shouldn’t take anything from unsorted donations that the store has collected. You can be accused of shoplifting and prosecuted just as if you took a labeled and priced item from the shelves.
This is true of all donations, including those left outside (even if the store requires donations not to be left outside).
Does Goodwill Really Prosecute Shoplifters?
A lot of stores don’t follow up with small-scale shoplifters because doing so can be expensive and time-consuming.
However, you should be aware that they can do so, even if they don’t always choose to exercise this right. That goes for Goodwill as well as other stores.
In most states, Goodwill will have at least 6 months to report a shoplifter to the police, and often more, especially if you have stolen high-value goods.
If they can provide evidence that you stole something, such as camera footage, they have the right to take you to court.
You could then be looking at fines, a criminal record, and even jail time. Be aware of this before you consider taking anything from a Goodwill.
Conclusion
Goodwill is stepping up its efforts to reduce shoplifting at the moment, and this means you’re more likely to be reported to the police if you’ve seen stealing from one of these stores.
They can also ban you from the store, even if they didn’t actually see you taking anything.
Reference Sources
https://www.the-sun.com/news/8439191/goodwill-extreme-anti-theft-measure/