In most cases, it’s pretty safe to say that stealing is wrong . But when it comes to shoplifting from big box stores, opinions tend to be a lot more muddled.
Shoplifting happens pretty often in places like Walmart.
Depending on who you ask, shoplifting from a Walmart can either be seen as a terrible crime, or something that’s really no big deal to a huge, highly profitable corporation.
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One TikTok user described his experience as a Walmart greeter.
In the video, Brandon Tamayo (@brandontamayo02) talks about how, in his years as a Walmart greeter, he would actively let people walk out of the store with stolen items.
As a greeter, he was tasked with checking receipts.
He explains that when he saw customers (and especially if they were women) attempt to steal things like baby formula, he’d just pretend they were on the receipt.
This was much to the frustration of asset protection.
Since there was no incentive for him to stop shoplifters, he’d just let them get away with an extra item or two, even if AP tried to get him to stop them.
“We didn’t really get a reward for the amount of stuff we caught people stealing,” he said. “Did I care? No, because I was making $11.50 at the time.”
This sparked a lot of debates in the comment section.
Much like with the topic of shoplifting as a whole, reactions were pretty mixed. Some praised Tamayo, while others condemned the behavior.
To some, letting these people walk was an act of kindness.
Especially when it came to baby products. One commenter wrote, “If I absolutely had no other choice I would do whatever it takes for my baby. I said what I said.”
Others pointed out that stealing may result in higher price tags.
“I agree but this also makes prices high to reflect the rate of theft which makes it more expensive for people who pay for the product,” another commenter said.
And of course, other people found that stealing is stealing, no matter what the item.
Tamayo responded to a comment that read, “Stealing is wrong period. There are plenty of government programs that can help you pay for these things if you can’t afford them.”
Sometimes, it’s not that simple.
In his response, Tamayo explains that, depending on the state, county, or jurisdiction you live in, accessing government assistance can be really hard.
And even then, you might not get enough assistance to properly take care of your kids.
All in all, being a parent is really expensive.
Whether you agree with Tamayo’s stance or not, you can definitely agree that raising kids isn’t cheap.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
