TARGET employees are warning customers that there is very little they can do to stop shoplifting, saying shoppers have “no clue” how theft prevention works. 

Alleged Target team members have taken to social media to express their grievances about customer expectations when it comes to stopping thieves. 

In a subreddit Thread called r/Target, which is purportedly run by “Target team members for Target team members,” one alleged associate took their turn to vent about not be able to do more to stop retail crime. 

“Some Target guests just don’t understand, we cannot help them if someone steals from them or our stores,” the post started out. 

The alleged associate, known as u/Imaginary-Coffee-76 on Reddit, claimed that Target policy prevents employees from stopping potential shoplifters. 

The poster claimed that if associates to try to stop someone from stealing, they allegedly get a “final warning,” before getting fired if it happens a second time. 

“I understand it’s for safety reasons but also there are thousands and thousands of dollars going out the doors every day,” the post continued. 

“I work in the front part of our store and I get so angry because I see people walk out everyday with our merchandise if I try to do anything I loose my job. I can’t afford to loose it. I am just as angry and frustrated as the honest guests we have daily but Target says no.” 

The poster went on to urge the company to give more hours to employees to ensure more security. 

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“Common sense may not stop all but it sure as hell would help!” 

Several other alleged Target employees shared similar concerns in the subreddit thread, agreeing that there needed to be more manned hours for security or higher paid employees. 

At least one Reddit user went on to claim that while some customers may expect Target employees to take more action, many have “no clue” about how theft prevention works at the giant retailer. 

“Let’s be honest here, the majority of the population has no clue how theft and theft resolution works at a retail store, let alone in the rest of their areas,” u/sailorwickeddragon commented. 

“While some hands on stuff will stop some, it doesn’t deter the majority of people who have it in their minds to shoplift for reasons.”

The poster went on to claim that it is “impossible” for asset protection officers to stop all theft that occurs at large retail stores, including through physically stopping shoplifters or just by calling law enforcement. 

At the same time, the user went on to say that the main ways asset protection officers do take action is “behind the scenes,” such as through making police reports. 

“…whatever the guest doesn’t see clouds what they believe should be going on which is some hand to hand combat type stuff. Not going to happen for all sorts of reasons.” 

Other former Target employees have also previously revealed different tactics they would use to prevent and combat shoplifting, such as using walkie talkies or high-tech cameras. 

Target did not immediately respond to The US Sun’s request for comment.