Target vs. Wal-Mart pt.1: The nature of Target

2006-09-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Drudgees,

This is the age old debate amongst both shoplifters and those interested in shoplifting. Even morning radio shows have openly made fun of shoplifters who attempt to steal from Target rather than Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart even openly broadcast on various morning news programs in the U.S. that they were 'loosening' policy and procedures to convict shoplifters last month. The initial points here resonate since EVERY city in the U.S. seemingly has a Wal-Mart and a Target, possibly 4-5 of each as Los Angeles and Fresno, both in California, do. Come to think of it they probably have more. These institutions appear to have more and are constantly filled with people dying to consume. I note 'appear' because some say this is an opinion, but it is true. So what?

Target and it's nature:
People often laugh when they enter and see an individual in a gray uniform standing near the Target entrance and exit with an ear piece. Most don't realize however that these individuals earn as much money as a Target shift leader. It is a nice area on the ladder to enter. So what do these individuals do? Primarily they are supposed to call out suspicious looking individuals to their boss or bosses so that they can monitor them or him/her. If the individual looks suspicious then undercover security or plain dressed security guard(s) may follow and watch them or him/her. For example, if a tatooed hispanic girl in a wife beater and sweats enters Target the Security guard will radio that there is a suspicious HFM or Hispanic Female Minor. It is always nationality first (A= Asian, B= Black), then sex (M= male or F= female), lastly age (M= minor, A= Adult). AFA = Asian Female Adult.

Target shopping carts are also desinged to catch shoplifters. Most don't realise that Target carts have little square holes everywhere and this allows the security guards to see through the back of your cart. Many shoplifters will place unpaid merchandise underneath other items they paid for. Thus, the security guards stand back a bit and watch carts for those items. They are allowed to ask you to stop and they can check your receipt as well as simply lift the item out while you are in the store. If you leave through the automatic doors these security guards are not legally allowed to stop you. They can not accuse oof anything as long as they remove the item in the store. The rules change once you leave with unpaid merchandise. More on that later.

When a security guard is not present at the front they may be on break, checking the garden section, or none may be scheduled to work. When a security guard is not up front a manager or cashier is suppossed to stand and monitor entering/exiting traffic in their place. This is Target procedure but it is not always followed.

Target uses electronic cameras and records every transaction. Thus, if a cash register comes up short the Loss Prevention unit and security can watch the entire shift, week, or month of that station until they isolate why the drawer is short. This often results in them finding employees who steal, individuals who are quick enough to lift money from the register, or it may be an employee mistake. If Target can isolate a burglar, thief, or shoplifter they will print out an electronic picture and monitor the given store for that indiviual. They will also circulate the photo to other stores in the area to heighten their chances of catching him/her or them. This is where that pattern from my 'Introduction' posting comes into play. A WFA (White Female Adult) who enters the store and always goes to jewelry first, then make-up, who has her picture posted in the security office can be easily caugt over a few attempts if her routine never changes.

For the Shoplifter:
BE QUICK! Cameras may find you but you also never know when human error will either erase the recording of what you did or will provide the loss prevention unit with a horrible, pixelated photo. Also, most cameras, the big and black bulbs on the ceiling of every Target store, are not functional. Typically about 20% of them work and the rest are for show. This is a gamble because your fellow shoplifters can dictate what areas the cameras record.

It behoooooooves every shoplifter to know what commonly and popular items are being lifted. Men's razors are always near the top. These are commonly lifted because the blades are uber-expensive and common people just lift them withou thinking. On 09/12/2006 I watched a large dude lift 15 cases of blades into his sweats. He was caught. I wanted to help him bu there's only so much one can do for the stupid/unprepared.

The #2 item is DVD's or CD's and #4 is an electronic device of some kind (PSP) or jewlery. These areas are monitored and you can not avoid being recorded in them. Thus, don't walk around and look at stuff. Mentally note what is going on around you. Was there a guard up-front? Yes, then were they talking on their head-piece or to another employee? If they were talking to another employee then it is a sign that there is no undercover or loss prevention manager on duty. Why? Target employees will get in trouble for this practice and managers love to tell on them since it creates job security. Was there anyone guarding the garden area? What day is it? Trust me, people shoplift more on the weekends, but higher ups don't wanna work on Fri. or sat. evening because of family.

These points are essential for not getting caught: introspectively understand what you are doing and what you do when you enter the store, get in and get out within 1-4 minutes, if someone in any uniform asks you to stop or to see your receipt say "No, I'm in a hurry". They can not force you to stop. If they say anything demeaning or touch you they are guilty of assault and character defamation. Both Target and Wal-Mart settle these cases for $5,000.00. If it goes to trial thay face a $50,000.00 suit. Lastly, do not believe that addage that there is no honor amongst thieves. If you find someone you're close with then have them watch the unguarded area of the store. Have them phone you if they see someone gathering next to the exit with a radio. Also, know you're goal to test if it's real: 10 DVD's etc.

This is an insight into the nature of things. Next, Wal-mart.

INTRODUCTION

2006-09-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Drudgees,

What have you found? I am a shoplifter and this is my blog. By 'my' I mean to note that I am known as nC here. I won't dwelve into the nickname given me since I don't expect anyone to read this. But what freedom nonetheless.

Shoplifting in my opinion is a nature and only a few people do it or perform it right. Online one can find various manifestos and advice as well as support groups and personal stories. If one is really interested then one may even find articles, postings, and information regarding the psychology of one who chooses to 'steal' or who may be infatuated with the idea. For example, the training manual for the Target corporation teaches undercover security agents that shoplifters follow patterns. If one uses introspection when they shop one will start to notice a routine. I personally go to the toy section first of every store I enter. I don't have exact reasoning why but it is a result of my subconscious behavior and many institutions use this to target and trap, possibly convict and/or arrest, shoplifters.

Thus drudgees you will find actual real-life advice and testimony here. Many sights are constructed by individuals that merely sit around, watch movies, and then post ideas that seem 'smart', but are actually dated or untested. Feel free to e-mail me questions and I will openly communicate the facts that I know. I will also outline many stories and techniques used in shoplifting. most importantly, how individuals are caught. I'll post again soon.

-nC-

The Shoplifter

Target vs. Wal-Mart pt.1: The nature of Target

INTRODUCTION