Man Says Home Depot Fired Workers For Catching Thieves

[piemaker720]

http://www.koco.com/news/13441545/de...0424&qs=1;bp=t

A former Home Depot employee said the company fired him and three other workers because they helped police catch several suspected shoplifters in May.

An internal memo from Home Depot outlines that associates cannot accuse, detain, chase or call the police on any customer for shoplifting

The loss-prevention guy at our Shields (Boulevard) store turned around and told me all we need to do is tell the shoplifter to have a good day as they leave the store. I said that just doesn't make sense

Well it sounds like to me Home Depot likes shoplifters. Anyone need a riding mower. Let's go shopping.

[rhertz]

You mean I didn't really have to pay for all that crap in, on, and around my house! Somehow I don't believe that. I bet this story didn't happen in Shreveport. It sounds like an organized shoplifting ring with inside moles.

[piemaker720]

But Rhertz it states it is against policy to stop or call the police on any customer.

[rhertz]

Originally Posted by piemaker720

But Rhertz it states it is against policy to stop or call the police on any customer.

OK, you try it first, then come back and tell us how it went.

[piemaker720]

I got a better idea, we'll send Brain first.

[BrainSmashR]

Originally Posted by piemaker720

I got a better idea, we'll send Brain first.

What's really sad is that you think trying to manipulate people, for any reason, is a "better" idea.

I'm just sorry for the kids who have to put up with your insanity.

[howela]

I recall a "then 7-11" store employee was fired here in the Shreveport area years ago for fighting with a robber.
The reason: same as above; he broke company policy which is to let the robber have what he wants without resistance. By fighting with the crook he put himself in harms way which opens the company up to all sorts of lawsuits should he be injured.

[rhertz]

Originally Posted by howela

I recall a "then 7-11" store employee was fired here in the Shreveport area years ago for fighting with a robber.
The reason: same as above; he broke company policy which is to let the robber have what he wants without resistance. By fighting with the crook he put himself in harms way which opens the company up to all sorts of lawsuits should he be injured.

That might make sense but what about the "or call the police on any customer for shoplifting " part? What is the exposure to liability for calling the cops?

[joepole]

Manipulating people is usually a good thing. Unfortunately the word, like "discrimination," has taken on an undeserved negative connotation.

[BrainSmashR]

Originally Posted by rhertz

That might make sense but what about the "or call the police on any customer for shoplifting " part? What is the exposure to liability for calling the cops?

It's not a liability issue, it's a not wanting to offend people issue....not unlike what most of you try to do to me. You'd rather me not offend anyone than express my opinions in a manner I see fit. Well most stores that cater to the masses have the exact same policy.....only twice a week are there people in the Natchitoches Wal-Mart who will chase shoplifters out of the store and at no point do you have to actually stop when the door greeter wants to check your bags and it is against store policy for them to physically try and stop you should you walk past or even sound the door alarm.

[howela]

I think that is what the 7-11 employees are supposed to do, call the police. Maybe in the Home Depot case they are to notify loss prevention guys and not get involved personally.

I would not fire anyone for breaking a rule like this, having such a rule on their books should be enough to cover them from lawsuits; but, I am surprised that anyone would want to get involved as a by the hour wage earner.

[rhertz]

Originally Posted by joepole

Manipulating people is usually a good thing. Unfortunately the word, like "discrimination," has taken on an undeserved negative connotation.

Yeah funny how that goes. It is good to have "discriminating taste" towards food, wine, or sexual partners, etc. but bad to discriminate (form an opinion) against people (that you aren't having sex with)

[joepole]

No, it's usually a very good thing to discriminate against people.

[rhertz]

Originally Posted by joepole

No, it's usually a very good thing to discriminate against people.

I meant "bad" in the sense of today's political correctness.....

[joepole]

It's especially good (and pleasurable) to discriminate against people concerned with political correctness.