Memphis, TN – Jacalyn Hendricks, 21, was arrested last week after being caught on camera stealing merchandise from the Family Dollar store where she worked. Hendricks is facing theft charges for stealing $7,528 in goods between July 3 and August 22, 2023.
The theft was uncovered when the store’s loss prevention team noticed Hendricks failing to scan customers’ items at checkout while still bagging them. Surveillance footage confirmed that she had been engaging in the theft over the course of several weeks. The total loss amounted to over $7,500 worth of merchandise.
Family Dollar did not immediately respond to requests for further information, but the Memphis Police Department confirmed Hendricks’ arrest and charged her with theft.
In a related retail crime story, another individual, Jeremiah Boyer, a Walmart delivery driver in Florida, was arrested for stealing over $52,000 by falsely claiming “heavy item” fees on unfulfilled orders.
These incidents come amid growing concerns over retail theft, which cost U.S. retailers a staggering $121.6 billion in 2023. In response, major retailers, including Walmart and Target, have ramped up anti-theft measures, such as locking up high-value items, restricting self-checkout to fewer items, and increasing security camera coverage.
Target’s CEO, Brian Cornell, addressed the issue, stating, “We want to make sure they’re safe,” while also acknowledging that locking up products is a last resort. Other security measures now in place include receipt checks, security pegs, and signs warning customers about the impact of theft.