So drug stores are locking up cheap food products such as spam and Tuna.

I guess Spam is 4 something now. You could get it from Rite Aid in the dollar section as of 2019. This is an absolute crime as this is normally cheap food for people of limited means. The price rise puts even this food out of reach for many. The rest of this article will contain tips I learned from my time working loss prevention that can fight the system. Disclaimer, I am not advocating shoplifting. I am helping the hungry to survive the abusive relationship that is Amerikkkan life.

These security boxes open with what’s called an Alpha key (the rectangular key in the picture below. These are available from numerous online retailers. Or if you work retail, you can likely find one in the backroom that no one knew was there. Security keys will make the door alarm go off so it’s on you to consider that risk and any ways around it as those can be individual to the situation. Either of the round keys which are also available online and are basically CPU magnets will open/ remove all other security devices that could be used on food items.

Now let’s talk legal. In the event you get rolled, if you simply return the item to the employee who caught you, you are no longer shoplifting and are free to go.

Do not return to a store you’ve already been caught at. You do not have to “come back inside” ever! The store has no legal authority to detain you without your consent. Never sign any paperwork. Civil recovery law typically reads “This statute allows for the recovery of up to three times the value of any unrecovered or damaged items plus any legal fees up to the cost of the items and $500 for adults. If the perpetrator is a minor, then the state allows twice the value of the items plus any legal fees up to the cost of the item and $300.” So if you’re in the office with the store threatening to roll you up, they have the item in merchantable condition. It’s a scam to get the company more money as literally every item is insured.

Holding you in a store is false imprisonment and you can charge the company. Furthermore, most drug stores have a no chase policy so you could run for it as well. In the event you choose this option, KEEP YOUR TAKE LOW the amount of money is the prime determining factor in whether or not you could face charges.

Also returned merchandise is no longer stolen and the store can fuck off beyond not allowing you back in.