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The Daily Insight Hub

What happens if you get caught shoplifting at Walmart and they let you go?

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on January 10, 2026

Although a store has a lot of time to press charges for shoplifting against someone caught stealing, Walmart does it right away. They press charges when the arrest is made. However, you can go to jail up to a year for petty theft. Petty theft charges also show up on background check.

What is Walmart’s shoplifting policy?

What is Walmart’s shoplifting policy in 2019? Per company policy, Walmart will not detain or press charges on someone who is caught shoplifting less than $25 worth of goods. Instead, they’ll urge that you leave the item with them. However, as the value of the item increases, the severity of penalties do as well.

Will Walmart track you down for shoplifting?

If you are arrested for shoplifting at Walmart, that arrest will be kept in Walmart’s records. Walmart keeps good track of any incidents in their stores and can check if shoplifters have previously been charged with shoplifting at Walmart.

Do stores keep track of shoplifters?

Most stores these days have surveillance cameras to track and record the behavior of shoplifters. Shoplifters don’t know if someone is watching from a distance possibly using multiple cameras, high-powered binoculars, and recording your criminal acts.

Can Walmart send police to your house?

Will Walmart send police to your house? Yes. Walmart will call the police and report the theft. If Walmart, through surveillance cameras, can identify you as a suspect, then the police may visit you at your home.

Can Walmart tell if an item is stolen?

Walmart requires the item’s original packaging so store associates can scan the UPC or serial number to confirm that the item wasn’t stolen or purchased from a different retailer. Walmart representatives said information from your ID will be stored in its returns database to track your non-receipted return activity.

Does Walmart call the cops for shoplifting?

Yes, Walmart does call the cops for shoplifting. If barcode alarms go off and they find security camera footage of you shoplifting, then they will call the police, and you will most likely be arrested. If you believe you are wrongly accused of shoplifting, remain calm and ask to speak with the police immediately.

Do Walmart check their cameras?

Yes, Walmart does monitor its security cameras but not constantly. In areas of high crime, security footage is more likely to be consistently monitored but for most states, Walmart uses its security cameras as a tool to support potential accusations and police investigations, rather than for instant theft prevention.