I'd definately want to say something, and most times I would, either to themselves or run to a check out to get people to block their exit... but it depends on how big the person is and how likely i am to get flattened by them.

If I didn't like the person I would report them, but if I didn't know them or it was a friend, go on ahead.

I'm not a big tattle so I would most likely say nothing - unless it was my store of course!

I do it everyday. I confront theives often & threaten to call the police if they don't pay for what they stuff in their pockets. I take it personally(I'm in the wrong business) because to me its like they think I'm so dumb I won't catch them. Same thing with gas drive offs. People don't realize when they are doing this they are putting the cashiers job in jeopardy. Most companies will make the cashier pay back the drive off or fire them if they have alot of shortages throughout the store. I tell them if they are hungry I'll buy them something to eat but don't put my job in jeopardy for drug money because I don't make that much anyway & its hard raising a son on what you make at a convience store. What they are trying to steal is usually worth more then what I make a night so I get highly pissed. And once you get a reputation as a theif NO ONE, will ever trust you again I usually point that out to the young ones. The stealing has dropped 95% on my shift, the other women are sometimes afraid to confront people when they catch them. Its a small town & most know I really won't let anyone or anything(animals) go hungry if I can help it.

I would tell the sales person that was nearest me. They know their policies after that, but I'd at least point it out. I used to work security so any tip-offs help. Just don't jump in there and confront them, or something. You're likely to get hurt and then you're injured or a liability. Just let it go. Don't be a frickin hero. I've seen people do it, and I was always scared they would get stabbed or beaten up. (In security we often got into a wrestling match with people.) Just tell someone who works there and LEAVE IT BE.

I would definitely say something, most likely to the person stealing. I used to work in a position where we couldn't confront shoplifters, even if we saw them in the act! We could just hover and try to make them uncomfortable, hope they set off an alarm, and write down any info that would help the cops when we called them later. So, if a customer (that's me now) wants to stand up for common decency and the LAW, then yeah. Penny makes a good point, but to me it's not about playing the hero, because as a customer I feel like that person is stealing from me as well as that vendor.

I wouldnt say anything. Its not my place as a fellow shopper to tattle!

I mind my own buisness, im not getting paid to be a cop

Citizens Arrest might apply... but this varies from State to State.

I wouldn't say a word, i'd just watch them. I would be very curious as to how much they could get without getting caught. Obviously, if I can see them do it, they can't be that good.

I have confront them and gave them the chance to put the item(s) back and did let the store know to watch that person. The loss to the stores are ridiculous and we as consumers have to pay for it....it is reflected in the cost of our goods....

I think I'd be more likely to say, "here, let me buy those for you." And then tell them that I'd rather get them some help than see them get a record.

No.

It is impossible to tell just by looking at someone whether they are in need or not. Also, depending on the location, food banks and city missions with dining halls are available for those who really need to eat. Additionally, food stamps are given to just about anyone below a certain income line. In most cases theft is completely unnecessary. That being said, it is the responsibility of the store manager and staff to watch over their inventory and to prevent theft.

Good question! Yes, I would have to. I can think of several scenario's that I might think twice about reporting, but then that would be discriminative. No matter how you look at it, its a crime! There is too much government aid for those who cant afford groceries, and just because they may be less fortunate, still doesnt give the right to steal. Depending on the age & innocence, and if they were carrying a newborn, that would be the only situation I would even consider. And if my gut told me, I would possibly even warn them, they were making a big mistake that may cost them, not to be able to see their child. And then I would offer money to help...that would be the only kind of incident I would at least consider!

i once left a thief laying on the ground for that!

Nuthin'. Ain't no security officer.

I would do nothing, this person does not need me ruining their life. They obviously have enough problems already.

My first thought was to tell someone in charge. I used to work at a department store and the company lost a lot of money because of it which in the long run adds to the prices of products and cuts to salary. But after I saw Blessed has a COAT of many colors... I choose this answer.

I call the police and press charges. My store barely pays my bills as it is without people stealing from me.