Was it really worth it? (long)

[Midnight12]

As related to me by hubby I pass unto you the tale of the SC that hurt himself to attempt theft. Possibly Gross warning!!!

Hubby (H) works night shift at the local wally world and this was partially witnessed by him and a friend, C. The wally world in question is currently undergoing remodeling and apparently security is cut thin because of it. However after 9pm one entrance is locked thus making everyone have to enter from the grocery side. Background over.

Apparently the SC in question manages to get into the backroom get into a box of individually wrapped box cutters to cut the wires on the anti-theft devices. I can't recall the name as it evades me but its called the spider device where the cables wrap around the box or device to keep people from just opening it and taking it. (Can't find a picture)

Gross PART
So would be thief cuts himself trying to remove the device, panics and attempts to flee...to the locked side of the store. Pushes the carts aside and manages to get the automatic door somewhat unlocked when work buddy C sees him and as per training asks "Sir do you need any help?"
C sees that guy is bleeding and goes to get him some paper towels. Well guy isn't bleeding profusely but enough to leave a trail of blood drops from the electronics department to the OTHER entrance. Electronics is all the way in the back, yeah...
While C is getting first aid guy bolts and from what is seen from the trail goes past the registers seems to hesitate a moment in either panic or oh crap this HURTS before escaping into the parking lot and is gone.

Now the police are called and a report is filed, not sure what will come of it but from what H and C DO know he hurt himself bad enough that would be thief would HAVE to get stitches to be able to properly use his hand again. as it seemed to be cut across the palm.

THe kicker? All this over a Norton 360 '09 edition that was on sale for about 40....thus causing me to ask was the damage done to self worth it? Sorry if this was too gross.

[LillFilly]

I'd love to get my hands on the video tape!

What do you wanna bet he comes back with a bandaged hand and demands compensation for the injury he suffered in your store?

[tropicsgoddess]

Wow, the lengths shoplifters go through to steal something. I mean really, if you're gonna shoplift, at least get something that'll be worth it, like I dunno an iPod or iTouch or something?!!

[HYHYBT]

Not the point of your story of course, but I wish those things had flat, clear strings, and that they'd put up a sign saying what they are. The first time I saw them I was looking at new hard drives, and I was at first afraid to pick one up, thinking it might have a motion sensor in it. And even after I'd realized what it was for, it was across something I needed to read and, not knowing how sensitive it might be, I didn't dare move it the 2mm it would have taken. Because it's downright embarrassing setting off a store's alarm when you're not even trying to steal, and they might not even believe me.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

Apparently the SC in question manages to get into the backroom get into a box of individually wrapped box cutters to cut the wires on the anti-theft devices. I can't recall the name as it evades me but its called the spider device where the cables wrap around the box or device to keep people from just opening it and taking it. (Can't find a picture)

We call those "spider tags" or "spider wraps" at the swamp.

And why use a boxcutter to remove them? I'd think a nice pair of big scissors (not the children's kind) would be enough to cut through one of those. They don't appear to be the sturdiest things in the world. In fact, I think I recall hearing about thieves using scissors to cut off spider tags and steal products that once were protected by said spider tags.

Not the point of your story of course, but I wish those things had flat, clear strings, and that they'd put up a sign saying what they are. The first time I saw them I was looking at new hard drives, and I was at first afraid to pick one up, thinking it might have a motion sensor in it. And even after I'd realized what it was for, it was across something I needed to read and, not knowing how sensitive it might be, I didn't dare move it the 2mm it would have taken. Because it's downright embarrassing setting off a store's alarm when you're not even trying to steal, and they might not even believe me.

We do use alarmed spider wraps at the swamp. IIRC, the alarm won't sound unless it's cut. Moving it around shouldn't set off the alarm. But then I've never tested this.

[Midnight12]

Thanks Irv. It was on the tip of my tongue i kept thinking spider alarm, spider something. That last word just avoided me.

Update...no real update...apparently if the police did come back to inform the store the managers don't tell anyone. Bother

[HawaiianShirts]

I love a good shoplifting fail story like this. But, really, over Norton Antivirus? Granted, there are worse programs, but if I was a thief, that would be very low on my list of items to swipe.

We do use alarmed spider wraps at the swamp. IIRC, the alarm won't sound unless it's cut. Moving it around shouldn't set off the alarm. But then I've never tested this.

True. I used them frequently at Major Electronics Retailer. You can move them around on the packaging all you want. As long as those four cords are not severed and remain connected to both of the locking points, the alarm stays silent.

[lordlundar]

True. I used them frequently at Major Electronics Retailer. You can move them around on the packaging all you want. As long as those four cords are not severed and remain connected to both of the locking points, the alarm stays silent.

I actually had it down to an art form when using them. Move the spider wraps out of the way? Not the way I did it. You'd have better luck tearing apart the product first.