A 68-year-old Lowe’s store employee in Georgia was fired last month after she attempted to stop shoplifters.
However, in a surprising turn of events, she got her job back after the store received a massive backlash from the public.
Lowe’s confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the company had rehired Hansbrough.
“After senior management became aware of the incident and spoke to Donna Hansbrough today, we are reinstating her job and we are pleased that she has accepted the offer to return to Lowe’s,” Lowe’s stated.
“First and foremost, there’s nothing more important than the safety of our customers and associates. Products can be replaced; people cannot. We continue to work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for this theft and violent attack,” the company added.
The controversy arose after three suspects attempted to steal $2,000 worth of merchandise and left a Lowe’s store without paying on June 25.
In an official statement released by the Rincon Police Department on July 20, the Lowe’s employee, identified as Donna Hansbrough tried to stop one of the suspects by grabbing the shopping cart they used. The police also revealed that she was struck in the face three times, giving her a black eye.
“The Lowes (sic) employee, Donna Hansbrough was fired for attempting to stop the theft,” the police said.
“Lowes stated that Donna’s actions (grabbing the cart) was a violation of their policy and Donna was terminated as a result. Donna had worked for Lowes for 13 years,” the department added.
Consequently, the store received massive backlash from the public for firing its employee who only wanted to protect the store from the thieves.
On Monday, the Rincon police department revealed that one of the suspects remained at large while the other two are still in custody.
“Lastly we are happy to announce that Lowes has given Donna her job back,” the post added.
Stores all across the country are facing ongoing crime issues, ranging from small thefts like shoplifting to more dangerous and violent organized thefts. These organized heists involve groups of people targeting one store or multiple stores in a single spree.
These daring thefts are taking away various items, from everyday products to expensive luxuries. The situation is severe in cities like San Francisco, where retailers are shutting down their businesses, blaming the crime problem.
“There is a link between drug trafficking and organized retail crime,” Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said in June. “Organized retail crime is a problem that is getting worse, not better. And it does not exist in a vacuum. These criminal enterprises often overlap with the trafficking of drugs.”
