I’m not sure why you want to steal from Walmart but for whatever reason, this post will help you better understand what you are about to get yourself into.
When you think about it, the idea of stealing from Walmart might cross your mind, especially with all those “big corporations won’t notice” thoughts creeping in.
I’m sure you’ve heard stories of people trying to pull it off.
But, let’s talk about it from a realistic angle, shall we?
From my point of view, and I believe most would agree, there’s more to this than just grabbing an item and walking out.
So, if you’ve ever considered it—or even if you’re just curious about how others might do it—let me break it down for you.
The Reality of Stealing from Walmart
I guess you’re wondering, “Do a lot of people steal from Walmart?” Well, the answer is yes.
According to multiple reports, millions of dollars are lost every year due to shoplifting at Walmart.
I’ll just say, for a corporation this large, the fact that losses are expected doesn’t mean they don’t care. Quite the opposite, actually.
For example, theft prevention strategies are in place that would make even the sneakiest of thieves think twice.
Security cameras, undercover staff, and electronic tags are just the beginning.
But if you ask me, the bigger challenge isn’t always the cameras—it’s the employees trained to spot suspicious behavior. If you think you’re slick, trust me, they’ve seen it all before.
A study in 2020 estimated that around $3 billion worth of goods are stolen from Walmart each year. And honestly, when you consider how many people pass through those doors every day, it’s not surprising.
But I think we need to ask ourselves: Is it worth the risk?
So, How Do People Steal from Walmart?
To answer the other question floating around, “How many people steal from Walmart?” It’s hard to pin down an exact number, but plenty of them do.
The tactics they use are as varied as they are risky.
In my own opinion, a common method is faking transactions at the self-checkout counters. By pretending to scan an item or using barcodes from cheaper products, some people think they’ve outsmarted the system.
But Walmart’s software can pick up inconsistencies in scanning patterns, and employees monitoring the screens?
They’ve become experts at catching it.
Another technique is returning stolen goods for cash. I’ll assume that seems like an easy way out, but stores are wise to it. Even items without receipts are flagged when returned, and you can bet they’ll ask for ID. So, think twice if that ever crossed your mind.
The Effects of Indulging in Shoplifting
Here’s the part I think most people overlook. From what I’ve seen, shoplifting isn’t just about taking an item—it affects people on both sides. Sure, Walmart might be a multi-billion-dollar company, but repeated theft impacts their bottom line. Over time, these losses lead to price hikes, which, in turn, affect everyday customers. Ironically, even those who steal end up paying for it indirectly when prices rise.
More so, if caught, the effects are personal and immediate. Legal action is swift. There are consequences such as fines, community service, or even jail time, depending on the value of what’s stolen. Not to mention the long-term damage to your reputation. Do you really want to risk a criminal record over a stolen phone charger?
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
In conclusion, while many people think about stealing from Walmart, I’ll just say it’s not as easy as it looks, and the effects can be far-reaching. Whether it’s the financial burden on the store or the legal trouble on your part, I think it’s safe to say it’s not worth it. So, before you make any decisions, consider this: Is a few dollars of merchandise really worth potentially ruining your life over?
If this article has made you think twice or you have any thoughts to share, feel free to drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your perspective! And hey, while you’re at it, why not sign up for our newsletter for more tips and insights?