RETAIL giant Walmart has banned an alleged serial shoplifter from every store in the US over a secret barcode scam.
Ashley Cross was caught on security cameras using an old watch battery barcode to scan expensive products for just $1.
Cops caught her stealing a pair of jeans, a t-shirt some boots and 11 packs of ramen noodles from a Walmart on Elvis Presley Boulevard.
They said her cart’s total value was $137.34.
After investigating her profile, authorities found she had a long history of shoplifting from various stores.
Walmart has now banned her from all its stores in the US.
The retailer said in a statement: “We value our customers and associates and want them to have a pleasant shopping experience.
“Though rare, there are instances when someone is no longer welcome in our stores.”
Cross has been charged with criminal trespass and theft of merchandise.
She is currently in jail and is due to appear in court on February 19.
Meanwhile, Walmart’s anti-theft security measure in some locations has come under scrutiny, with some citing trips lasting “4 hours” because of it.
Some have even “walked out” after spotting the measure at their store, claiming it’s punishing shoppers.
One shopper blamed the retailer’s new measure called product lock-ups – and said his shopping trip took four times longer than expected.
Fears of widespread retail theft in 2023 caused a surge of lock-ups by retailers across the country.
Some fears that were expressed regarding the impact of organized retail crime may have been exaggerated. The National Retail Federation recently retracted a report that estimated billions in corporate revenue were lost due to such criminal activities.
Opinions are divided on whether the measures taken by stores in response to these fears were too extreme. While some view it as an overreaction, others see the changes as necessary. Nonetheless, the implementation of security measures such as locked goods has resulted in a slower shopping experience for millions of customers.
At many Walmarts, that can mean waiting for a staff member to come by with a key for each locked item.
While initially stores primarily locked up expensive goods like baby formula and tech, anti-theft glass has spread to other departments as well.
Some Walmart shoppers have been shocked to find items like t-shirts or toothbrushes locked up.
Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft.
The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores:
- Locking items in cabinets.
- Security pegs.
- Security cameras.
- Signs warning about the impact of theft.
- Receipt scanners.
- Receipt checks.
- Carts with locking technology
