Two Million of This Item Are Stolen Each Year — Now Walmart and Target May Fine You $2,000 If You're Caught

In a bid to stem stealing carts which is costing US retail stores a whopping £140 million ($189 million) to replace them every year, major retailers like Walmart and Target are now enforcing new strict penalties.

Shopping cart theft is no longer a minor offence in many US states as shoppers caught stealing carts could now face fines up to £2,000 ($2,500) or even jail time.

Why Hard Punishment Now

In Illinois, for instance, fines can reach £2,000 ($2,712) for stealing a cart, depending on its value and the offender's criminal record.

California classifies cart theft as a misdemeanor, with penalties including up to £800 ($1,085) or six months in county jail.

Even in New York, a seemingly small act like rolling a cart off store premises without permission can trigger a £80 ($108) civil fine, escalating to £800 ($1,085) or jail time if deemed severe.

According to report on 23 June 2025, the Daily Mail said, these laws aim to curb the financial burden on retailers, who lose millions annually to this widespread issue.

Always return carts to designated areas to avoid legal trouble.

Understand Retailers' Tough Stance

Retailers are fighting back with more than just fines. Walmart has introduced advanced security measures, including robotic parking lot guards and invisible barcodes to track stolen items.

Target, meanwhile, has scaled back self-checkout stations, a move echoed by Dollar Tree, which saw an 8% sales boost after removing machines from 12,000 stores.

These changes reflect a broader trend: retailers are prioritising loss prevention over convenience. As reported by CNBC on 29 July 2023, big-box stores are investing in AI and RFID tags to combat organised retail theft, which includes cart disappearances.

With two million carts stolen yearly, costing £140 million ($189 million), it's clear why stores are taking such drastic steps. Shoppers must be mindful to avoid hefty penalties or bans.

Avoid Penalties with Simple Actions

Preventing a fine is straightforward: don't take carts off store property. Some states, like Florida, impose £80 ($108) civil fines per violation, which can accrue daily, while Nevada treats cart theft as petty larceny, with fines up to £800 ($1,085) per cart.

Yahoo Finance noted on 15 June 2023 that retailers like Walmart also employ cart retrieval services, adding to their costs. Shoppers can help by returning carts to store bays, even if it's inconvenient.

On X, posts reflect mixed sentiment, some users mock the fines, while others support retailers' efforts to deter theft.

Intent matters, too; accidentally rolling a cart a short distance is less likely to result in penalties than deliberate theft. Stay cautious to keep your record clean.

Don't Let Small Mistakes Cost Big

The crackdown on shopping cart theft underscores a broader retail reality: small actions can have outsized consequences. With £140 million ($189 million) lost annually to two million stolen carts, Walmart and Target are justified in supporting tough laws.

By staying informed about state regulations, respecting store policies, and returning carts promptly, shoppers can avoid fines up to £2,000 ($2,712) or worse.

Retailers' investments in technology and security show their commitment to curbing losses, but it's up to consumers to act responsibly.

Next time you shop, think twice before leaving that cart behind, it's not worth the legal or financial headache.