Retail establishments, such as Walmart, possess the legal right to pursue individuals suspected of theft, even after the initial incident. This pursuit can manifest as civil or criminal actions initiated based on evidence gathered through surveillance, witness accounts, or inventory discrepancies. The time frame within which such actions can be taken is governed by statutes of limitations, which vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense.
The ability of a retailer to initiate legal proceedings after the fact serves as a deterrent against theft and contributes to loss prevention efforts. It also provides a mechanism for recovering financial losses incurred due to stolen merchandise. Historically, retailers have increasingly utilized surveillance technology and data analysis to identify and prosecute shoplifters, even if the initial apprehension did not occur at the time of the theft.
