James, a deli worker at Meijer, the midwestern supermarket chain, stole a fruit cup and some chicken. Over a few months, that added up to $110 worth of theft—and that’s when a Meijer manager called the police and had him arrested.
When you suspect an employee is stealing, you should investigate. If you confirm the theft, you have options: ignore it, give the employee a warning, terminate the employee, or arrest the employee.
In the Meijer case, the police officer’s body cam footage documented the arrest, which went viral a year after it occurred.
The original didn’t perform well on TikTok, but since it was shared yesterday on Twitter, it has amassed over 5 million views on X. It gives key information about the situation: The employee, James, worked in the deli department, and over a period of several months, he stole $110 worth of food. It wasn’t a one-time theft, and it was never a large amount at a time. Everyone is very respectful of one another—if you’re looking for drama, you won’t find it here.
To keep reading, click here: This Grocery Chain Had an Employee Arrested for Stealing $110 Worth of Food. Here’s Why They Handled It Wrong
Suzanne, your article states that calling the police can cost a company their reputation.
What’s disreputable about calling the police on a theft, even for only $110? I didn’t know the video had gone viral, but why would it negatively impact perceptions of Meijer?
It did negatively impact perception. If you watch it, it’s clear that the employee is special needs. Add to it, they could have stopped him as soon as they found out and terminated him. It’s vindictive.
People don’t like vindictive.
Ok I watched it. I took it as a thief getting arrested for stealing from work, very politely with no screaming or resisting arrest. I don’t see it as too harsh, but I can see how someone somewhere might think less of Meijer.