this post was submitted on 17 Sep 2024
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Shop at casual pace. Be nice to the store employees but don't try to keep track of where they are (because it's obvious when you do). Do not be greedy.
Store employees see people stealing or at least people who look like they're stealing everyday but will generally only confront those who are either stealing high quantity/value of stuff, steal at that store frequently or are annoying to the employees in some way (are rude, noisy, cause hold ups or make work by leaving stuff around or making demands).
If you ever get confronted then it was an oversight and you ask to pay for whatever it was (because you want the item, not because you were caught). You do not try to defend yourself as not stealing, why would you? the very idea of stealing has never occurred to you in your entire life.
If you need something that’s locked up, strike up a short convo with the employee. Like asking them where random items are. Preferably, something you know the direction of that’s in the opposite direction. This gives you a reason to disappear back into the crowd and appear to be checking another item off your shopping list, and you can circle back to the exit after a few minutes when the employee has forgotten about you. This only works if the item isn’t in one of the individual lock boxes. A big part of social engineering is looking normal and respectable and trustworthy. So maybe not ripped jeans or leather jackets or anything. Maybe business casual, work uniform, construction outfit, etc. Nothing too fancy like a 3 piece suit because that’ll stick out.
Personally I think it is usually easier to buy the expensive locked item if it is a store that has a separate checkout inside since it makes the employees who interacted with you trust you and you can carry it around the rest of the store as "I'm a real customer who already spent a lot of money" flag while you nab the easier items.
Buy something cheap on the way out making a show of "I already paid for these ones earlier" with the locked items using the opportunity to pass through the unpaid items. If you somehow get caught you then use the excuse that you got confused about which items you already bought at the first checkout and again insist on fixing your mistake by paying for the ones you missed.
That’s what I was referring to by suggesting asking for further directions to other items and walking away. You appear as if you’re still shopping and don’t arouse suspicion because most people who steal try to be so covert that they stand out. It’s how I got some batteries lol. Asked the guy to grab it for me then asked where the camping lanterns were at
In the US, you’re not obligated to stop and show receipts or prove anything. You can just walk out and ignore them. Though a long term plan may involve playing ignorant if caught instead of ignoring them