What Is Costco’s Policy on Shoplifting?

Costco has a number of measures in place to prevent shoplifting, including a ban on employees from stealing items, strict rules on what can and cannot be taken, and the use of security cameras to monitor areas where items are being stolen.

How much does Costco lose to shoplifting? 

Costco’s warehouse shrinkage is estimated to be 0.11-0.12 percent of annual sales. This figure is much lower compared to other retailers, with some losing around 1.33 percent per year. So, what accounts for Costco’s low shrinkage? Its strict shoplifting policy is one factor.

Costco’s Shoplifting Measures  

  1. All employees are required to wear a tracking system that records their movements and thefts.
  2. Customers are allowed to bring only what they can carry in their hands, without taking anything else with them.
  3. Employees are required to search customers’ pockets for any items they may have taken without permission.

Security cameras: Security cameras are carefully placed throughout Costco stores to watch the activities of employees and customers. CCTVs near the checkouts ensure that customers are checking out properly. Security footage is reviewed rigorously if a shoplifting case takes place. Costco prevention workers: Costco has prevention workers who go ‘undercover’ and pretend to shop but are looking out for suspicious or criminal conduct among customers or other employees. Prevention workers are also tasked with detaining shoplifters and discussing legal issues with the relevant law administration. Security tags: Costco has security tags on all its products, which set off a beep or alarm when taken off from their packaging while leaving the store. Receipt checks: When customers are about to leave the store, store employees inspect their purchase receipts. The store staff will check to see if the receipt matches what you purchased, and if you are carrying items that are not shown on the receipt, the staff will ask you to provide evidence of purchase. Costco layout: Costco has a strict preventive mechanism that regulates the entrance and exit of its stores; unlike other stores with many exits, Costco has just one entry and exit. CostCo Membership: Costco maintains entry based on a membership policy that prevents its employees and customers from shoplifting as Costco has records of all its members and can check who has entered the store and exited. The membership also provides Costco with customer information, allowing them to easily trace someone down if they have shoplifted.

Costco Shoplifting policy

Costco has a strict policy against shoplifting. If an employee sees someone stealing from the store, they will report it to management. This will then lead to the person being arrested and/or charged with a crime. The retailer also uses CCTV footage to monitor the store and make sure that no one is stealing during their shifts.

Customers who shoplift may be charged with Organized Retail Theft, Felony Shoplifting, or Misdemeanor Shoplifting. Employees who shoplift may be charged with embezzlement and/or theft of services. Shoplifters will be denied entry into Costco stores in the future if they are caught.

Conclusion 

Costco’s shoplifting policy is one of the most stringent among many other large retailers in the country. It is extremely proactive in preventing shoplifting in the first place, with incredibly tight security, a membership policy, and good financial incentives for its employees. If an employee or a customer is caught shoplifting, they will face severe punishment, as seen by how Costco has prosecuted many shoplifters in the past. Customers and workers should be honest and retain their integrity at Costco or any other store rather than engaging in such criminal activities. ..

Yes, Costco has CCTV cameras.

Costco has cameras in all its stores to monitor activity and ensure that customers are treated fairly.

Costco Theft Tips

Shoplifters are often unprofessional and may engage in various misbehavior to steal products. They may remove security tags, remove products from shelves, or steal from customers.

If I am falsely accused of shoplifting at Costco, I may experience legal action and possible financial compensation.

Despite its tight security, Costco may be holding customers falsely detained for a theft charge. If this happens, you should speak with the store to clarify that you have not committed a crime and consult a lawyer if the situation worsens.