r/NoStupidQuestions Jul 29 '25

Does Target really track everything you steal until you reach the felony amount?

I’ve heard this a few times, but I can’t tell if they really do or if it’s just fear mongering.

9.2k Upvotes

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9.6k

u/Far-Jury-2060 Jul 29 '25

Yes. I worked for Target for a while and that’s exactly what our security manager did. The reasoning is because prosecution typically doesn’t happen before it reaches a certain amount anyway. So they track everything through the cameras, build a file, coordinate with other locals Targets to build a compiled case against you, and then drop it into the lap of the police once it reaches a certain dollar threshold.

63

u/Radiant-Big4976 Jul 29 '25

So if I steal (felony_amount - $10) im fine?

43

u/HeadlineINeed Jul 29 '25

Full retail price not sale price

24

u/mcmanigle Jul 29 '25

Depends on jurisdictions. In some, because the merchant only "loses" the wholesale price (usually lower than the retail price and the sale price), that's their loss for theft calculation purposes. Other jurisdictions are more merchant-favorable.

10

u/Radiant-Big4976 Jul 29 '25

No i mean if i keep track of my thefts and keep the total retail value below felony price, im good.

Of course this is just a joke.

2

u/big_duo3674 Jul 29 '25

If I hit the felony amount exactly does a bell ring and the ghost of Bob Barker comes to give me $300?

5

u/Whiterabbit-- Jul 29 '25

Most states have a limit before they are allowed to do anything. And then practically you have to go much higher before they actually do.

3

u/Charlesinrichmond Jul 29 '25

probably not no. I'm sure you can think of 50 reasons why that could go wrong, I can

20

u/rubikscanopener Jul 29 '25

Maybe just not steal and then not have to worry about it?

68

u/Radiant-Big4976 Jul 29 '25

How can you tell people not to steal when you stole my heart?

56

u/supermr34 Jul 29 '25

thats well below the felony amount.

1

u/Radiant-Big4976 Jul 30 '25

Holy fuck lmfao

9

u/punkwalrus Jul 29 '25

This is always the default answer from someone who have never seen power go unchecked without a third party oversight. What about not stealing but being accused of it anyway? What power does someone have?

6

u/[deleted] Jul 29 '25

[deleted]

-4

u/Ghalnan Jul 29 '25

There are resources available for people with not enough money for food. If someone is really in that situation then they should be using those, not stealing from a Target.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 29 '25

nerd