TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. – A new policy at Tippecanoe County Walmart stores left some customers and the prosecutor with unanswered questions Monday.
Walmart staff will not call police on first-time shoplifters if they pay $400 in 72 hours and complete a six-hour online program. The store may think it’s a good idea, but the county prosecutor and customers believe otherwise.
“I advised Walmart they cannot use the system to compel someone to take the program,” said prosecutor Patrick Harrington. “If they do offer the program and the person doesn't fulfill the obligation, do not call us. Do not call the police. We will not take the case. We've lost evidence. We've lost the ability to properly identify the time. The investigation has been hindered."
Harrington said shoplifters should be punished immediately.
Some customers said the policy encourages thieves to steal again.
"I don't think very many people are going to be willing to pay $400 to stay out of that situation,” said Wyatt Mahaffey. “I doubt if they are going to have that money available if they are shopping at Walmart in the first place."
A Walmart spokesperson said the policy has been effective.
“We've seen a 35 percent decrease in the number of calls to law enforcement agencies nationwide, on average,” company officials said.
Harrington said he has spoken with the Indiana Attorney General and plans to talk with lawmakers soon about the policy.
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