Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, once said, "Each Wal-Mart store should reflect the values of its customers and support the vision they hold for their community."
Now, Wal-Mart has decided to stop prosecuting first-time shoplifters if they meet certain criteria. Sam must be rolling in his grave.
According to The New York Times, Wal-Mart "will no longer prosecute first-time thieves unless they are between 18 and 65 and steal merchandise worth at least $25."
While the policy as a whole is absurd, the part I have the hardest time understanding is why age is a factor. Why does it matter if the shoplifter is 12 or 98? There is no reason anyone - regardless of age or how many DVDs he has in his in their oversized pockets - should be allowed to shoplift without some kind of punishment.
So, if you've been a responsible citizen in the past and happen to be overcome by an unexplainable bout of kleptomania, Wal-Mart is the place for you. Be sure you don't "accidentally" walk out with anything worth more than $25, there shouldn't be any problem with the law. In the land of low prices and even lower wages, this situation is now a ridiculous reality.
According to Wal-Mart, the new policy will allow stores to keep a closer eye on bigger problems like professional shoplifters and theft from employees.
Wal-Mart is taking the stance that the little problems won't matter if all of the big problems are solved. I've got news for Wal-Mart: When little problems are ignored, they don't magically disappear on their own.
Wal-Mart officials also said prosecuting petty shoplifters has become too inefficient to continue. When Wal-Mart talks about being more efficient, it's really just about making more money. In this case, Wal-Mart is willing to let some people off the hook because it would cost too much give them the punishment they deserve.
I can imagine this idea backfiring on Wal-Mart if the right people find out they can try to steal low-price items without fear of retribution. I'm ready to record a new daily announcement that could be played over the PA every hour, just to see what people would do.
"Attention all Wal-Mart shoppers -ยก- if you haven't stolen anything from us in the past and would like to try your luck, please feel free as long as your purchases don't total more than $25. Here at Wal-Mart, we're dedicated to offering you the lowest prices possible, along with the opportunity to shed moral and ethical standards if you choose. Thank you for shopping with us today."
Of course, there's no way Wal-Mart would play anything like that over the PA system for all customers to hear, but they might as well. Once people know they can get away with stealing something, some will inevitably decide to take the chance just because it has been offered.
If anyone does decide to test the new policy as a result of reading this, I'm not responsible for what happens. Prosecution is what all shoplifters deserve, even if the largest retailer in the world thinks otherwise.
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