As one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, CVS is a popular destination for shoppers looking to pick up prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, beauty products, snacks, and household essentials. With over 9,900 retail locations across the country, CVS serves 4.5 million customers every day and generated over $268 billion in revenue in 2020.
However, CVS‘s wide selection of products, high foot traffic, and numerous locations also make it an attractive target for shoplifters. Retail theft is a major problem in the U.S., costing businesses over $45 billion per year. Shoplifting doesn‘t just hurt a company‘s bottom line—it also drives up prices for paying customers and puts employees at risk of violent confrontations with thieves.
To combat this persistent issue, CVS has implemented a range of policies designed to deter and catch shoplifters. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at CVS‘s approach to preventing and responding to retail theft. Whether you‘re a frequent CVS shopper or just curious about corporate loss prevention tactics, read on to learn everything you need to know about CVS‘s shoplifting policy.
How CVS Prevents Shoplifting
Like most major retailers, CVS employs multiple strategies to stop thieves from walking out of the store with unpaid merchandise. Let‘s examine some of the most common prevention methods:
Video Surveillance
One of the most effective ways CVS deters shoplifting is through the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera systems. Prominent signs throughout CVS stores warn potential shoplifters that the premises are monitored by video surveillance 24/7.
Conspicuous ceiling-mounted cameras serve as a visual deterrent, while discreet cameras disguised in store fixtures and shelving allow loss prevention staff to monitor suspicious activities. CVS managers routinely review security footage to identify theft incidents and gather evidence to assist in prosecutions.
Some CVS locations in high-crime areas have even begun using advanced video analytics software that can automatically detect potential shoplifting behaviors like lingering in low-traffic areas, concealing items, and exiting through the entrance. This artificial intelligence enables loss prevention staff to respond to theft incidents in real-time.
Security Personnel
In addition to technological monitoring solutions, CVS employs trained security guards to maintain a physical presence in stores and deter criminal activity. Guards are typically stationed near the entrance and exit of the store, where they can keep an eye on customers entering and leaving.
Some guards work in plainclothes to avoid drawing attention to themselves, while others wear distinct uniforms. Armed guards are deployed in CVS stores with a history of violent incidents including armed robbery, while most locations utilize unarmed guards.
Along with dedicated security staff, CVS also trains regular employees known as "coordinators" to be alert to possible shoplifting as they perform their daily duties like stocking shelves and assisting customers. Having more eyes on the sales floor at all times increases the likelihood of spotting and preventing theft.
Anti-Theft Devices
For small, high-value items that are prone to shoplifting, CVS utilizes a variety of anti-theft devices:
- Merchandise security tags that trigger an alarm if a customer attempts to leave the store without paying
- Spider wrap security devices that prevent items from being opened or used until deactivated at checkout
- Locked plastic or glass cases that can only be opened by a store associate
- Tethers and cables that secure items to shelving to prevent grab-and-run thefts
Particularly desirable products like razor blades, baby formula, smartphones, and certain medications are typically kept in locked cases or behind the pharmacy counter and require employee assistance to access. Customers may find this inconvenient, but it allows CVS to protect its inventory while still making products available for purchase.
What Happens If You Get Caught Shoplifting at CVS?
Despite CVS‘s robust prevention methods, determined shoplifters may still find ways to abscond with merchandise. If a customer is suspected of or witnessed concealing items and attempting to exit the store without rendering payment, CVS employees are instructed to follow specific protocols:
- Alert security or management to the incident
- Approach the individual and ask if they need assistance finding an item
- Allow the suspect to continue shopping or exit if they do not have unpaid merchandise
- If they refuse assistance and attempt to exit, a manager or security guard will confront the suspect, identify themselves, and ask the shopper to accompany them to a private office
- If the suspect becomes combative or flees, employees are directed not to engage in a physical confrontation or pursuit for their own safety
- If the value of the items is over a certain threshold (typically $25-50), police will be called to formally trespass the shoplifter and issue a citation for petty theft or felony grand theft
For first-time offenders who cooperate with store staff, CVS management has some discretion in how to proceed. Non-violent shoplifters who have taken a low dollar amount of merchandise may be asked to immediately return the items and will be banned from that CVS location or the entire chain. Their information and photo will be recorded and distributed to area stores.
Repeat offenders, those who resist apprehension, and those who have stolen a larger quantity of merchandise will likely be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, 10 million people have been caught shoplifting in the last 5 years, but only 1/10th actually faced criminal penalties. However, corporations like CVS are increasingly taking a zero-tolerance approach to retail theft.
Shoplifting charges can result in serious legal consequences including jail time and hefty fines. In addition, arrest records can impact employment opportunities, housing, and professional licenses.
How CVS‘s Shoplifting Policy Compares to Other Retailers
While CVS‘s multi-layered approach to loss prevention may seem severe, it is in line with the practices of most major retail corporations. Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and other big box stores utilize very similar anti-theft technologies, personnel, and policies to CVS.
Some retailers like Bloomingdale‘s and Macy‘s even have stricter shoplifting penalties—they press charges against suspects regardless of the value of the stolen goods or whether it is a first offense. Others employ more unique prevention tactics; for example, Best Buy places dummy products on the sales floor and keeps the actual merchandise locked in a warehouse until purchase.
Where CVS‘s policy stands out is in its use of coordinators, or regular associates who are specially trained to be on the lookout for shoplifting. Having skilled eyes throughout the store rather than only at entrances/exits gives CVS a leg up in identifying potential theft incidents early.
Additionally, CVS‘s position as a pharmacy provides it with more regulatory justification for its rigorous anti-theft practices. With a higher proportion of controlled and high-value substances in its inventory compared to other retailers, CVS must be especially vigilant to prevent medication theft and fraud. Failure to secure these sensitive products could result in fines and legal issues for the company.
Tips for Avoiding Shoplifting Suspicions at CVS
For law-abiding CVS customers, getting mistaken for a shoplifter is an uncomfortable experience that can ruin a quick shopping trip. To avoid raising red flags with CVS‘s anti-theft team, follow these tips:
- Avoid wearing bulky clothing that could be used to conceal items, such as oversized coats or cargo pants
- Don‘t carry large empty bags or purses into the store; opt for a smaller wallet or clutch if you can
- Be mindful of your body language; appearing nervous, shifty, or loitering can attract unwanted attention
- If you need to examine a product more closely, do so openly rather than concealing it
- Pay for items at the proper checkout area rather than the pharmacy counter to avoid suspicion
- If you change your mind about an item, hand it directly to the cashier rather than ditching it somewhere in the store
- Ask for assistance accessing locked merchandise to demonstrate that you intend to pay
By presenting yourself as a conscientious shopper, you can avoid awkward encounters with CVS security and enjoy a smooth shopping experience. Of course, if you do find yourself wrongfully accused of shoplifting, comply with the employee‘s requests, retain your receipt, and escalate the incident to CVS corporate.
The Ethics of Corporate Anti-Shoplifting Efforts
CVS‘s intense focus on loss prevention reflects a wider trend of corporations becoming more aggressive in their anti-theft tactics. However, this heavy-handed approach has drawn some criticism from criminal justice advocates who argue that it perpetuates harm against vulnerable populations.
Studies have shown that most shoplifters steal out of economic need rather than malicious intent. Treating all suspects like hardened criminals, publicly shaming them, and entangling them in the legal system over petty thefts of essential items serves mainly to make it harder for disadvantaged individuals to get back on their feet.
Furthermore, these unforgiving shoplifting penalties are not applied equitably. People of color are disproportionately targeted, apprehended, and prosecuted for retail theft compared to their white counterparts.
While businesses should certainly work to protect their employees, customers, and assets, a harm reduction strategy may be more effective than a punitive one. Some retailers have begun donating first-time shoplifted items to local charities, sponsoring diversion programs to keep offenders out of jail, and working with lawmakers to raise the felony threshold.
Addressing the socioeconomic roots of shoplifting through progressive corporate policies and community partnerships has the potential to enhance public safety and reduce shrinkage more humanely than strict law enforcement.
The Bottom Line on CVS‘s Shoplifting Policy
As a major player in the retail pharmacy industry, CVS faces significant losses from shoplifting every year. To stay profitable and competitive, the company has developed a comprehensive strategy to deter and respond to theft in its stores.
Through a combination of surveillance technology, security personnel, protective devices, and employee training, CVS strives to stop shoplifting before it happens. When thefts do occur, CVS works closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute incidents.
For customers, being aware of CVS‘s strict shoplifting policies can help you have a better shopping experience and avoid misunderstandings. At the same time, reflecting on the broader consequences of corporate loss prevention tactics can prompt us to advocate for a more compassionate approach to retail criminal justice.
Ultimately, preventing shoplifting is a complex issue that requires balancing business needs with community wellness. As CVS and other retailers continue to shape their policies, focusing on fairness, rehabilitation, and social responsibility will be key to making progress on this stubborn problem.
