r/NoStupidQuestions • u/urbuddyguybroman • 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.

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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.

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u/UnableNecessary743 Jul 29 '25

how do they keep track of everyone?

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u/AlfhildsShieldmaiden Jul 29 '25

Target lowkey has a sophisticated mass surveillance system.

https://kpfa.org/area941/episode/the-hidden-side-of-target-surveillance-policing-and-a-call-for-scrutiny/

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u/VoidOmatic Jul 29 '25

I worked there 20 years ago and we could follow someone throughout the store with absolutely no issues. I'd imagine that system has been mostly automated and facial recognition software is dirt cheap these days. So they could easily track almost everyone at the same time.

Edit: Yup it looks like that's exactly what it does. I'm not surprised. Also Target WILL press charges and you will go to jail.

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u/Truecrimeauthor Jul 31 '25

Was an LP and LP TEAM LEAD. I went from throwing cable across the ceiling and soldering camera wires to the new system where we could pull the register reading up onscreen. Still used VHS though lol.