It’s the time of the year where beauty brands release irresistible gift sets and stocking stuffers. For some, the appeal of these products may overwhelm their sensibilities. It may be difficult to choose just one limited edition makeup palette or skincare product from a reputable brand. Unfortunately, the steep prices of these products place them in the “luxury” rather than “necessity” pile. Yet, if you have ever considered taking merchandise from Sephora, the steep costs of getting caught shoplifting are much more severe than paying retail price for the products you crave.
If you have ever shopped at Sephora, you might have felt as if you did not have a moment to yourself to browse their products. Like most retail stores, Sephora trains their employees to provide customer service as a way to deter theft and recover merchandise. The small size of their products encourages employees and loss prevention to keep a watchful eye over customers.
Many Sephora stores hire security personnel to watch customers from the sales floor and through a closed circuit television in the back. There are high-resolution cameras in all stores monitoring the actions of customers and employees. All personnel are trained to identify characteristics and behaviors typical to those who commit retail theft. The layout of the store itself is designed to make it difficult for shoplifters to stay hidden. Security personnel at Sephora take action should anyone attempt to steal.
Large retail companies like Sephora all follow the same basic policy when it comes to shoplifting. Basically, if a store employee is not 100% positive you took an item without paying for it, they cannot detain you. Store employees must keep a constant uninterrupted eye on you to avoid the possibility that you changed your mind and leave the product on another shelf before walking away. If an employee accuses you of shoplifting and detains you, they risk a lawsuit for false imprisonment if you were, in fact, innocent of the suspected crime.
Sephora stores have also been known to chase shoplifters, contact mall security, and ban shoplifters from stores. They will prosecute when they have evidence of shoplifting.
$300 doesn’t seem like much makeup, but in Florida, it is the threshold for a grand theft felony charge. While other states have adjusted their thresholds to keep up with inflation, Florida’s has remained stubbornly low. If you are caught stealing merchandise valued at or above $300, you will face felony charges.
A felony charge is a serious charge that can impact your future even without a conviction. Your charge may show up on a background check for any job you apply to in the future. Theft is also a difficult charge to overcome, as most employers do not want to hire anyone accused of stealing.
You will end up paying much more than $300 if you are convicted of grand theft in Orlando. A grand theft conviction could lead to:
Petit theft in Florida involves stealing property valued at less than $100. It is a second-degree misdemeanor offense with penalties that may include:
Petit theft may also involve property valued at or above $100 but less than $300. This is a first-degree misdemeanor crime for which you may face up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Make sure your rights are protected when you are approached by mall security and police. If security personnel prevent you from leaving the store, they do not have the right to confine you to a small room or force you to answer their questions. They may only detain you for a “reasonable” amount of time.
Regardless of your situation, you have the right to a defense attorney to protect your rights. If you or someone you know has been charged with stealing from Sephora in Orlando, call The Umansky Law Firm. Our team of theft defense attorneys has over 100 years of combined experience defending those facing criminal charges. Call for a free case evaluation.