The Wall Street Journal has a fascinating and harrowing article about stores pursuing “suspected” shoplifters with civil actions — some of which amount to little more than extortion — when criminal charges can’t be brought. The article, which every shopper should read, begins:
After Miami handyman Glenn Rudge was accused of shoplifting an $8 set of drill bits at Home Depot, he thought he’d settled the matter when he showed his receipt to prosecutors and they dropped the charge.
But a few weeks later, a law firm hired by Home Depot began sending him letters demanding first $3,000, then a total of $6,000, implying he’d be sued if he didn’t pay it.
In an escalating battle against theft, retailers are going after anyone suspected of shoplifting, turning over their names to lawyers and collection firms, who pursue the suspects for stiff penalties and split the take with the retailer.
Well, as they say, “If you can’t amaze them with your acumen, baffle them with your b— s—.”
I hope the courts come down hard on this sort of thing, on the customer’s side. HD is saying, “We’re going to have a big open space, filled (literally) to the roof with merchandise. You can buy it, but you can’t touch it, or else we might sue you.” Heck, if winning those suits adds to their top line, sure they should be tempted to do it.