This matches my brief experience. When I worked at a Lowe's store, which was a big target for serial shoplifters, the security staff said the process usually we

This matches my brief experience. When I worked at a Lowe's store, which was a big target for serial shoplifters, the security staff said the process usually went like this: 1. Steal a small but expensive item, usually by hiding it in another item's box (return the big one later for a refund). 2. Return the stolen item at a different Lowe's, or even Home Depot. Without a receipt, you'll get a gift card with the item's value. 3. Sell the gift card at a discount, either online or to somebody in the parking lot. I don't remember any problems with people stealing the basic things every good toolset should have, like hammers or drills. It was a lot of drill bits and attachments.