Walmart customer loses $3,500 after being filmed seven times

A WALMART customer was arrested after stealing from the retailer seven times using its self-checkout machine.

Bernnadette Martinez Diaz, 41, was caught failing to scan items with the store’s security cameras.

Bernnadette Martinez Diaz was caught not scanning items on store security camerasCredit: Lake County Sheriff’s Office

Many retailers have seen an increase in organized crime and have since implemented anti-theft policiesCredit: EPA

The footage was sent to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, as seen by Leesburg-News.com.

Diaz stole Walmart merchandise seven times on May 6, twice on May 14 and also on May 16, May 18, May 31 and June 14.

The total unpaid merchandise was nearly $200.

On June 24, Diaz was arrested at the store.

She was charged with seven counts of small business theft, according to the police report.

The suspected shoplifter was booked into the Lake County Jail and released after posting $3,500 bail.

The Lake County Jail did not provide further details about the arrest.

ANTI-THEFT POLICIES

Many retailers have seen an increase in organized crime and have since implemented anti-theft policies to deter shoppers from stealing.

Approximately $121.6 billion was lost to retail theft in 2023 and this figure is expected to rise further, according to a study conducted by Capital One.

By 2026, it is estimated that nearly $150 billion will be lost.

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The same study also found that shoplifting has skyrocketed.

In 2022, shoplifting increased by 19.4%.

Among these new anti-theft measures, retailers have increased security, imposed random receipt checks and limited self-service items.

Consumers say these new policies are ruining their shopping experience.

Anti-theft measures implemented by traders

Retailers in the United States and Canada have implemented strategies to combat theft. The American newspaper The Sun has compiled a list of measures implemented in stores.

Lock items in cabinets.
Safety pins.
Security cameras.
Signs warning of the impact of the flight.
Receipt scanners.
Receipt of checks.
Carts with locking technology

A customer refused to show her receipt to a Walmart employee, claiming she was pregnant and had another child to care for.

MEMBERS ONLY

Consumers are also criticizing Walmart for its subscription service called Walmart+.

Membership claims to offer customers exclusive benefits, including free shipping on orders of $35 or more.

Although Walmart customers are not required to tip their delivery drivers, delivery drivers often expect a tip as a thank you for the service.

Customers said they could not afford the extra charges.

Some are canceling their memberships and threatening to shop elsewhere.