A TikTok user has claimed that he was sacked from his job at US electronics store Best Buy for attempting to stop someone that he thought was shoplifting. You can watch the struggle in the video below.
The person, who uses the TikTok handle @freddya1358, shared a video of themselves sitting at a desk by the entrance to the shop, just by the sliding doors.
As the video continues, a man walks through the doors and the employee grabs his backpack, instigating some pulling back and forth between the pair.
The tug of war continues through the doors of the shop and outside, eventually resulting in the employee managing to wrestle the bag away from the person attempting to leave.
They scarpered from the situation, suggesting that the worker's employee that accuses them of shoplifting might have a case.
However, the TikTok user says that they were later sacked for their actions, because they later called up the management of Best Buy and said he didn't socially distance.
Well, that's certainly true, but it doesn't mean that people can walk into a shop and take what they like.
Sharing the video, they wrote: "Got fired for stopping this guy, he called corporate said I didn't social distance lol. Not even mad. #enjoy #whoshiring."
Best Buy reportedly has an asset protection team that is tasked to 'maintain a safe and secure environment', but it's not clear whether that stretches to pulling and pushing about with a backpack.
Many people in the comments section of the video have said that shops such as Best Buy often have policies in place that prohibit shop workers from physically challenging people who they believe have stolen goods.
One commented: "Used to work at a Best Buy.
"When doing asset protection, they specifically instruct you to not touch/physically stop people from stealing. Your fault."
Another said: "The dude is actually wrong. You're not supposed to touch them. Now the company is liable if you get shot or stabbed."
However, others have defended the employee, with one person commenting: "So corporate is saying it's OK to steal at Best Buy???
"Because we can just say whatever we want and that employees I'll get fired. NICE."
Others have pointed out that the employee probably isn't getting paid enough to be bothered about chasing down too many shoplifters.
"They don't pay you enough to do more," one said.
"Do just enough not to get fired."
LADbible has contacted Best Buy for a comment.
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/@freddya1358Topics: Shopping, US News, crime, TikTok