States Crack Down on Shopping Cart Theft With Harsh New Penalties

Walking off with a shopping cart might seem like no big deal, but in several U.S. states, it’s a crime that could cost shoppers up to $2,500 and even land them in jail.

Major retailers like Walmart and Target lose an estimated 2 million carts a year, racking up more than $175 million in replacement costs. In response, states across the country are cracking down, introducing stricter laws and steeper penalties to deter what’s now seen as a serious source of loss.

In Illinois, offenders can be slapped with the highest fine—$2,500—depending on the cart's value and any prior offenses, according to the Daily Mail. 

Jail time is also on the table. And that’s not the only place getting tough.

In California, cart theft is a misdemeanor that could carry a $1,000 fine and up to six months behind bars. San Jose now requires large retailers to install locks or GPS systems to prevent carts from vanishing.

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Florida hits first-time offenders with a $100 civil fine, but repeat thefts could lead to $1,000 fines and a year in jail. 

Hawaii, meanwhile, imposes a $500 fine and 30 days in jail, following thousands of carts reported missing in Honolulu alone.

Even states with lighter penalties aren’t taking the issue lightly. 

Texas cart theft typically carries a $500 fine, but that jumps to $2,000 and jail time if the offender has a record. 

Washington state hands out $50 fines and impound fees, but also allows for misdemeanor charges with up to 90 days in jail.

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These laws come as stores battle rising shoplifting and operational losses. Some are ditching self-checkouts altogether. Dollar Tree recently removed machines from 12,000 stores and saw an 8 percent sales jump.

While most people return their carts, the crackdown signals that retailers are losing patience, and lawmakers are backing them up. What used to be a minor nuisance is now a ticket to court.

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