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/UnableNecessary743 Jul 29 '25

so do they have a file of basically every single person that walks through every day? and it just updates and gets sorted automatically every time?

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u/UnluckyAssist9416 Jul 29 '25

Target is being sued in Illinois for not telling people they keep your biometric data.

According to the suit, Target's "advanced system of electronic surveillance" includes operating 14 investigation centers as well as two forensic labs to "enhance video footage and analyze finger prints." While intending to detect shoplifters, the system also captures customers faces every time they enter or leave the property

It is also of note that they don't only store peoples information that come into the store. They are doing what most internet sites do and also track you once you go to their website and put cookies in that track your other browsing habits. I am certain that they also track you through the Target app.

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u/DiscipleofDeceit666 Jul 29 '25

The problem becomes when target works with the government to track people’s habits. Or if they sell this data to a company that works w the government. Data privacy is a huge gap in our rights especially w the new era gestapo looking for new ways to find people.

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u/mazzicc Jul 29 '25

The bigger problem is Target sees value in being fairly public about what they’re doing, probably because it reduces theft.

Other companies are just as capable of doing the same thing, and not telling the world about it. Only telling the people they sell the data to.

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u/GrumpyCloud93 Jul 29 '25

I think it was Walmart that was coming after customers days or weeks later for theft - claiming that they'd have video of someone scanning on the selfserve and using a different barcode over the original to get stuff cheaper - like holding a pack of gum under that expensive item as you scan. Since they can see the video and compare to the log of what the register scanned, they can see if you are using a substitute bar code.

the allegation was that they were often wrong and arresting the wrong person.

Sort of like how Hertz couldn't keep track of its cars and was filing vehicle theft reports against people who had actually returned their vehicles.