The shoplifting situation at Walmart and other retailer stores in the United States is dire, and it is only getting worse. But they are not taking it easy and have raised the bar when it comes to detect and send to the Justice to shoplifters. And, with the arrival of the new version of the classic “banana trick”, the store security officials are more aware than ever, specially at the self-checkout kiosks.
In the latest incident, a man was arrested for using a new version of the infamous “banana trick” to steal from a Walmart store in Ogden, Utah. The suspect, filled a dog food bag with stolen goods and walked out of the store without paying, after using the self-checkout. This illegal tactic is just one of many that criminals are using to steal from retailers, and it is causing major headaches for store owners and managers. The “banana trick” and the “switcheroo” are just two of the many tactics that criminals use to steal from Walmart stores. These tactics involve scanning an expensive item with a code for a cheaper item, or removing the sticker from a relatively cheap item and placing it over a more expensive item. These methods are highly effective, and many criminals are using them to steal from Walmart stores on a regular basis.
The Legal Consequences of Shoplifting at the Supermarket Self-Checkout
Shoplifting is a serious crime that can result in severe legal outcomes. This is especially true if you are caught using the “banana trick” to steal from a self-checkout. If you are caught red-handed, you can be charged with a number of criminal offenses. The most common charge is theft, which is a serious crime that can result in fines, community service, and even jail time. Beside theft, which is a serious crime, you can also be charged with fraud, which is a more serious offense that can result in even harsher penalties.
Not only that: you can also be banned from getting into the supermarket forever. That could make for you difficult to get your groceries, because some stores might share their lists of shoplifters with other shops, so you might have problems there as well.
The US States With the Hardest Convictions for Shoplifters
The legal consequences of shoplifting can vary widely from state to state, with some states imposing harsher penalties than others. In fact, there are certain states where the legal system is particularly unforgiving when it comes to prosecuting shoplifting crimes. I mean, you must not steal anywhere, but in some places they will have no mercy for you, dude.
One such state is Texas, that has some of the strictest laws in the country when it comes to shoplifting. Depending on the value of the stolen goods, shoplifting can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If the value of the stolen goods is less than $50, it is considered a Class C misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $500. However, if the value is more than $2,500, it is considered a felony, which can result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
In Florida, shoplifting can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the stolen goods or groceries. If they are around $300, it’s a misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. However, if the value is more than $20,000, it is considered a first-degree felony, which can result in up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Not a game at all, right?
In California, shoplifting is also taken very seriously, with fines that can go as high as $10,000, and you could end up to three years behind bars. So, don’t play games with justice here, and pay for every item you shop.