New 2025 Changes To Walmart Security Could Be Coming To Illinois

Well it's no secret... theft has been a hot topic for retail stores in Illinois Many have gone to locking important, and not so important items up.

modernretail.co has recapped the many attempts taken to prevent this.

Some companies, like Duane Reade and CVS, have resorted to sticking items behind locked cases, hoping that they act as a deterrent for shoplifters. Others, like Home Depot, have hired security guards to watch over shoppers’ behavior and established more lighting in their parking lots. And yet more, like Walgreens, have closed stores, citing “organized retail crime.”

We have all seen items locked away, some Walmarts have even started locking small things with frequent theft targets such as razors. laundry, detergent and even toothpaste

New Changes In Illinois

One massive change could be coming that will at least help you from having to get a store manger to unlock the case. This comes even as reports still list multiple thefts a year across stores.

While crimes like burglary and drug offenses fell in the first half of 2024, rates of reported shoplifting increased by 24% compared to the same period a year earlier, according to a report published by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) in July.

You Might Be Able To Unlock The Cases With Your Phone

It looks like Walmart is trying to help those who actually want to buy things with an easier alternative. New sources have disused a way to use your smart phone to unlock the vaults.

"Another company called Indyme has developed a “Freedom Case” that lets customers unlock merchandise using their cell phone number, an app, a store loyalty card, or even their face"

Personally I love this ideal. It's hard enough to find someone to unlock the items let alone have that person unlock two things when I'm grocery shopping.

So the locked cases stay, but you may have the future key...