Crime
Walmart Anti-Theft Measures Spark Consumer Outrage, Driving Shoppers Away
Clear Facts
- A Walmart customer has taken to social media to express frustration about low-cost items locked behind anti-theft glass at the store.
- The retail giant has taken such security measures in response to a significant increase in retail theft, as stated by its CEO.
- Although some customers are unhappy with this policy, Walmart states that these measures are necessary to keep merchandise in stock and protect it from theft, and are implemented on a store-by-store basis.
A Walmart shopper, in a moment of frustration, pledged on social media to switch to a different store after finding multiple items, some as low-cost as $4.98, locked behind anti-theft glass. The customer posted a picture of the products in question, mentioning that all car deodorizers at Walmart are locked up and there were no employees nearby with a key.
Surprisingly, even a Walmart employee weighed in on the situation, sharing that the Walmart location where they worked did not lock up anything other than electronics.
The original poster noted that this was not the only Walmart where they experienced such inconveniences. Another person added that it was a recurring issue at Walmart, with claims that employees are usually not around when needed.
In response to these complaints, Walmart’s official Help account reached out to the shopper asking for more information on their experience.
To combat increasing retail thefts, Walmart has been implementing measures such as securing various items behind glass cases. This strategy, however, has been met with complaints from shoppers, who argue it negatively impacts their shopping experience.
Walmart’s spokesperson clarified that the decision to lock specific items is contingent on individual store circumstances. “Those determinations are made on a store-by-store basis,” the spokesperson said, adding that items frequently targeted by thieves may receive “additional security.”
Despite the reasoning provided, multiple customers have expressed their intent to switch to other stores. One frustrated customer lamented, “One Walmart I was at had diapers and toothbrushes locked!” and then added, “This is why I go to other stores, where nothing is locked.”
Walmart has not commented on these specific customer complaints as of yet.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
May ellen Lafountain
June 13, 2024 at 6:40 pm
Its very upsetting when you need something and no ones around to help you end up leaving and buying it somewhere eles i sugest everyone to do the same its not worth the bother to many items locked up! (plattsburgh ny) is no diffrent thats where i live cant even buy razor blades!!
Insane ill shop sonewhere eles from now on
Ruth
June 13, 2024 at 7:00 pm
This appears to be another activity that’s ushering in the seven-year tribulation prophesied in the Holy Bible. Parents who haven’t taught their children why it’s wrong to steal, weak politicians who’ve succumbed to cries of “defund the police” in exchange for votes, judges with their heads in the sand and a spoiled, corrupt population all contribute to this problem. WaL-mart owners may need to lower their net profit expectations and hire more employees, giving them keys to locked merchandise, if they want to stay in business.
Lou
June 13, 2024 at 7:15 pm
Needed an item behind the locked door. Took a while to find someone to ask to get someone to open the locked door for the product. Finally tired of waiting. I left. Will never wait for product again. Advise. Not all Walmarts work this way.
Bill Hoff
June 13, 2024 at 7:21 pm
I know having to wait to buy a $5 product is a pain in the arse. I can’t completely agree with the complaints because the more theft that takes place, the more the prices increase on everything. It’s definitely a catch 22 situation. Everybody loses.
Glenn F. Amsberry
June 13, 2024 at 8:27 pm
I agree – no more Walmart for us.
Freeindeed
June 13, 2024 at 9:49 pm
There is a choice. Lock up shoplifters or lock up products. Especially soft on crime states lock up products and close stores rather than enforce law & order. Conservatives are for law and order abd tough on crime otherwise the innocent are punished.
Theresa Adams
June 17, 2024 at 3:47 am
Our WalMart has an employee with a key in each department, so you don’t wait long at all. If people would STOP stealing things, then they wouldn’t have to lock it up.The items I see locked are medicine and items that sell well at the flea market. Think other storea don’t do this, think again. They’ve all started doing it.
Filmaker
June 14, 2024 at 8:33 am
If they are going to lock things up, they should have more attendants with keys available to help customers.
Brock
June 15, 2024 at 10:00 am
Unless you want to pay more for these items, I would recommend that you put up with the minor inconvenience of having them locked up, because if they don’t take security measures, thieves will take these products! More theft = higher prices.
Raymond Thibault
June 16, 2024 at 4:15 pm
call or go online and make an order. then when it’s ready go get it. They are trying to protect their employees and keep costs down. OR! Start filming and arresting the thieves. From watching some videos about theft in NY and other cities they need armed guards.
Tony L Bell
June 24, 2024 at 6:44 am
One could safely bet those complaining are most certain to use lock and key to secure their valuables. They too are most certain to vote “progressive” loons into office that are soft on crime, allowing the perpetrators of retail theft to go free. They indeed are a very large part of the problems in society.
Ralph
June 25, 2024 at 10:20 am
If the liberal politicians, assholes would allow police to do their
Jobs, this wouldn’t be happening.
Disgusting behavior not being able to lock thieves up.
Hopefully they have the criminals disrupt their lives.
Disrespectful of our citizens are all demorats!!!
yankg Jackson
July 15, 2024 at 6:47 am
I do not care if they locked the doors of Walmart. I do not shop there.
Maria
July 15, 2024 at 3:26 pm
Hard to believe there are so many people out there without any common sense that they can’t understand what and why Walmart has locked up some products, especially when they are inexpensive items. DUH? That’s one of the reasons shoppers grab those items first and quickly since they can be hidden in their clothes. Shoppers should appreciate that you can purchase almost anything you need at a lower price at Walmart than at other stores. Let those shoppers go to other stores, they are hurting themselves by paying a higher price, maybe even driving a farther distance, costing more money for gas. We shoppers know when we have a good thing and will still be Walmart customers. Have A Good Day.