Lowe’s Employee Assaulted Trying to Stop Shoplifters; Company Faces Backlash for Firing Her
A 68-year-old Lowe’s employee, Donna Hansbrough, was brutally attacked when she tried to intervene and stop shoplifters from stealing merchandise worth over $2,000. Shockingly, instead of supporting Hansbrough, the home improvement company fired her for violating their policy. This incident has sparked public outrage and renewed the debate surrounding retail companies’ policies on employee intervention during thefts.
According to the local news outlet WSAV, Takyah Berry, Joseph Berry, and Jarmar Lawton entered Lowe’s and loaded multiple items into different shopping carts. They then left the store without paying for the merchandise. Hansbrough, committed to her job and the store’s well-being, instinctively grabbed onto the shopping cart of the female suspect, Takyah.
It’s important to note that Hansbrough did not physically engage with the thieves; she merely held onto the cart. Unfortunately, Joseph Berry responded violently by striking Hansbrough in the face multiple times before fleeing the scene. To make matters worse, both Joseph Berry and Takyah Berry are still at large.
The attack left Hansbrough with visible bruises on her face, serving as a distressing reminder of the risks employees face while trying to maintain order and protect their workplace. Hansbrough had been a dedicated employee at Lowe’s for an admirable 13 years.
However, this incident brings to light the controversial stance taken by retail companies regarding employee involvement in tackling shoplifting incidents. Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald recently faced scrutiny after defending the firing of two employees in Georgia who had called the police on shoplifters and engaged with them.
McDonald clarified his position during an interview with CNBC’s Squawk on the Street. He stated, In this particular case, we have a zero tolerance policy that we train our employees on around engaging during a theft. Why? Because we put the safety of our team, of our guests, front and center. It’s only merchandise… The employees knowingly broke the policy, engaged with the thieves… that was what resulted in the termination.
These harsh termination decisions have left former employees like Rachel Rogers, one of the fired Lowe’s employees, struggling to make ends meet. Rogers shared her difficult situation, saying, That was my sole income, so I did have to file for unemployment and use all of my savings to pay for my car payments, car insurance payments, my dog’s food, my food. Another former employee, who remains anonymous, expressed the added burden of having to provide for four children.
The public response to Lowe’s decision has been mixed, with some defending the company’s policy as necessary for prioritizing employee safety. However, critics argue that this approach comes at the expense of valuing employees and their dedication to their job.
As the debate continues, it is evident that companies need to reevaluate their policies to strike a balance between employee safety and encouragement. The safety and well-being of employees like Donna Hansbrough should not be compromised when they show courage in protecting their workplace. The incident at Lowe’s serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by retail employees and the need for more comprehensive and compassionate policies in the industry.
