J.Crew News: Employees Wait a Day to Report Theft

There is an interesting article over at the Eagle Tribune (click here) about calling the police and J.Crew's policies. ;)

Employees wait a day to report $3,500 theft
By Jarret Bencks
August 27, 2009

Salem— Employees at J.Crew witnessed two women steal more than $3,000 in merchandise on Monday, but didn't notify local authorities until a day later because they couldn't get corporate permission, police said.

Employees at the store, located in the Mall at Rockingham Park, watched two women enter the store and swipe approximately $3,500 worth of clothing off a table and walk out of the store.

The employees told police they did not immediately contact law enforcement because company policy requires permission from corporate headquarters before calling police, according to Salem police Capt. Shawn Patten. They were unable to get corporate permission until Tuesday afternoon, he said.

There are other stores in the area that have similar policies and local police are miffed by it, Patten said. "We continue to be disappointed and perplexed by some of the policies stores have regarding the notification of police," Patten said. Salem police took a theft report on Tuesday.

Calls to J.Crew corporate headquarters yesterday were not returned. According to the clothing company's Web site, J.Crew has 206 retail and 69 outlet stores across the country.

First, I hope those women who stole from J.Crew get caught. (Stealing only drives up the price on merchandise for everyone.) Second, I find the policy of employees having to call corporate headquarters before calling the police "interesting". (It's also interesting that several stores have that policy too!) I understand that in some (minor) situations, it is best to check with corporate first. However, in other cases like this one (where there is significant theft or emergencies,) it is probably better to call the police first— and quickly too.

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you agree or disagree with stores' (including J.Crew) policy when it comes to calling the police? Does your employer have a similar policy? :)