Major update in Walmart policy sparks customer fury after shoppers say it ‘feels like I’ve been accused of stealing’
AN incident at a Walmart that left a shopper feeling accused of stealing has sparked outrage among customers.
Furious New Mexico resident Jonie Fischer said that a Walmart security guard denied her entry to a store because her purse was too big.
Footage obtained by KOAT7 shows a sign in front of Walmart in San Mateo, New Mexico, informing shoppers that bags, backpacks, suitcases, and containers larger than 12” x 12” x 8” are not allowed inside the store as of June 13.
The notice was dated May 15.
Fischer said that she went to Walmart to buy a sweater, because it was raining and freezing.
When she got there, she said that an “employee greeter” began measuring her purse with the ruler, when they denied her entry to the store.
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“They’re measuring this way and that way, and they measured my purse and says, ‘You can’t come in here, your purse is too big,’” she told the news outlet.
“I looked at them. I says, ‘Your store sucks’ and I walked out.
“It angered me being treated like that. It made me feel like I was being accused of stealing and I have my own money and have my own house.”
Many businesses have employed such tactics to cut down on retail theft.
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Fischer said that she called the corporate Walmart customer service number to complain and they said the incident does not reflect the policy of “any” of their stores.
But a Walmart spokesperson told The U.S. Sun: “No retailer is immune to the challenge of crime.”
“We recognize the importance of this issue and are investing in people, programs, and technology to support our stores.
“Among the strategies to help reduce shoplifting, store and market managers have the authority to limit bag size for associates and customers.
“This includes backpacks, purses, satchels, and recyclable shopping bags.
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during this time.”
The U.S. Sun previously reported that a man accused of stealing from a Walmart in Washington was reportedly slapped with a 99-year ban from the store.
The near-centennial punishment was allegedly over stolen shoes worth less than $40.
“A Spokane Valley Deputy contacted a suspect inside Walmart, wearing a pair of shoes he hadn’t purchased,” the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old suspect was reportedly walking through the aisles of the Spokane Walmart with the shoes that “still had the tag on them.”
Their report states a worn pair of shoes was placed where the suspect had been standing, allegedly in place of the stolen ones, and pointed out to the deputy by an employee.
The suspect made it out of the store and was pursued by authorities.
While the suspect attempted to flee, the sheriff’s office said that he “quickly realized it was futile and gave up.”
The statement concludes that the suspect was slapped with a 99-year trespass from all Walmarts along with charges of third-degree theft and resisting arrest.
Earlier this month a Walmart staffer, known as Cam, showed off his handheld device that lets workers pause machines when they have suspicions.
Walmart stores have dozens of security cameras that can help bosses monitor shoppers’ movements.
There’s also a large screen that captures the shoppers using the self-checkouts, according to the TikTok clip.
Cam also has a handheld device that allows him to see the groceries that shoppers are scanning through.
Meanwhile, a former staffer, known as Athenia Marie, said the special tool can note how many items shoppers are buying, the machine they’re using, and if they’re purchasing age-restricted products.
Workers may ask to check a shopper’s ID if they suspect they’re underage.
If Walmart employees suspect that you’re stealing merchandise at one of the self-checkout machines, they have an option to pause your machine remotely from their handheld device.
To a shopper, it looks as though the machine is dealing with a general glitch or error.
Once your self-checkout machine has been remotely paused, you’ll have no choice but to call a Walmart employee over for help.
From there, the employee will go through all the things you’ve scanned so far to make sure nothing is being stolen.
Athenia said in the clip: “My whole thing with this is… do not steal from Walmart self-checkouts.”
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The former worker also revealed that the store’s security cameras can read the small print on a newspaper.
She revealed that some clothes have product stickers that will sound like an alarm if anyone tries to steal them.