In November 2024, Western Washington University students entering campus markets were met with this message on a large, human-sized sign: “STOP. SHOPLIFTING IS A CRIME.”
The signs featured a graphic of a black stick figure placing a bottle in a handbag. Smaller text near the bottom of the signs cited shoplifting in Bellingham as a misdemeanor and stated the repercussions: “Up to 90 days in jail. Up to $1,000. Or both.” The signs were implemented on Wednesday, Nov. 1 and were present in Western’s campus markets until Friday, Nov. 13.
Some market guests and faculty members viewed the signs as being too accusatory and left feedback, leading to the sign’s removal, said Alexandra Perez, the senior marketing manager for Western’s food-service provider, Chartwells Higher Education. She said the implementation of the signs was decided through discussion with campus partners to proactively deter theft.
“We have experienced a significantly greater frequency of shoplifting at campus markets,” Perez said via email. “Signs were implemented to remind guests of the importance of integrity and fairness within our campus community.”
Much of the student body saw the signs in a different context. There were mixed opinions in the comment section of a post on the Western subreddit, with most commenters viewing the signs as an excessive measure. Some claimed the signs would cause more people to steal rather than deter them, while others called out the prices at the markets as being too high.
“As a person who worked in retail I can understand watching for potential shoplifters, but we would never set up any kind of postage that would be this aggressive since it would make even non-shoplifters uncomfortable,” said Keaton Chauvin, a Western student who spoke out against the signs. “It seems that sentiment has been validated by my peers as well. I don’t view these signs as warranted… Instead, I think they should look to the reason why people are shoplifting and address the issue from there.”
Paul Knepper is the chair of the Department of Justice Studies at San Jose State University and a professor who specializes in crime prevention.
“For people who are determined to take things, I’m not sure the signs are going to make much of a difference,” Knepper said.
The addition of alternate security measures such as keeping products in locked cases or hiring a security guard might make it harder to shoplift, but could drive away customers who view the environment as too aggressive, Knepper said. He suggested a simpler, more discrete approach to deterring shoplifting.
“If the store employees say hello to each customer entering the store and make eye contact, that does a couple things,” Knepper said. “It lets them know ‘I’ve seen you, I know who you are,’ which alerts the conscience of someone coming in with the intent to steal.”
With the signs removed, Perez said Chartwells focus is on re-evaluating its messaging, taking into consideration the feedback from guests and faculty. What that’ll look like is unclear; she said it may or may not include updated signage.
“Additionally, we are currently in discussion with the University and the community to evaluate additional security measures that will support a safe and equitable shopping experience,” said Perez.
Sean Lynch (he/him) is a campus news reporter for The Front this quarter. He is a third-year visual journalism major. Outside of reporting, Sean likes skateboarding, reading and playing kendama. You can reach him at seanlynch.thefront@gmail.com.
