I really do not have any sympathy for the thief. What’s really happening is that the crime hasn’t been committed until the thief takes the shoplifted stuff out the door and it’s the thief’s fault for stealing the felony amount. Isn’t that a more likely explanation?
I think it’s also a safety for those who simply fail to scan properly. They’re unlikely to reach felony levels. Intentional thieves will rack up that much rather quickly.
…or because they catch you on camera and wait until you steal enough to get a felony charge.
Target is well known for pulling this.
I really do not have any sympathy for the thief. What’s really happening is that the crime hasn’t been committed until the thief takes the shoplifted stuff out the door and it’s the thief’s fault for stealing the felony amount. Isn’t that a more likely explanation?
I think it’s also a safety for those who simply fail to scan properly. They’re unlikely to reach felony levels. Intentional thieves will rack up that much rather quickly.
In the long run it’s cheaper to hire enough cashiers to prevent shoplifting from non-payments or “underpayments” at self-service registers.