The hardware store where I work just recently started carrying drinks and snacks up by the registers. In the first week, we lost over $220 worth of food and drink to shoplifting. We were missing 17 Snickers bars, yet had only sold 4, which is just one example among many.
I don’t think most people who are honest know all the ways these stores get ripped off. I worked retail for 6 years.
The managers are held somewhat accountable for loss.
I believe they went too far with this. I think they should have let her pay for the sandwiches this time, but I also know that loss prevention is important to the bottom line. After all, the consumer has those costs built into their purchase prices.