Can confirm. I used to catch shoplifters for Shopko, Sears, and Younkers (coincidence that they are all bankrupt?) and some of my biggest busts were from watching hot chicks in the makeup and jewelry sections.
And yes you can’t be on the cameras at all times and 50% of the cameras aren’t real. You can bet the ones in electronics are though.
The hardest people to bust were those that would go into the bedding section, grab something, and return it. Also struggled with anything dressing room related.
That settles it. Someone please put a camera in Harper Murray's dressing room. Public safety depends on it. All kidding aside, there are some good stories in retail. I worked my way through college at a sports retailer and it was great entertainment.
Had a guy threaten me once because I wouldn't take his stolen shoes back. We had him on camera. His wife/girlfriend tried to talk him down .... Cops came....had a warrant out for his arrest for skipping court on multiple assault charges. I dodged one there. Buh bye.
Our female security guard, who thought she was 007, got thrown through a display case trying to stop a shoplifter. He just manhandled her. That one got away.
Had a girl leave a fairly sizeable drug stash in a cassette tape case in the dressing room. She called the store wondering if we found it. When she came in to pick it up, she was arrested.
Criminals aren't always clear thinkers.