January 7, 2026
CSI: Aisle Five
Target has their own forensic lab to investigate shoplifters
CSI: Target is real—fans cheer, critics cry Big Brother
TLDR: Target runs a high-tech lab to identify shoplifters and even helps police solve big cases. Commenters are split between cheering crime-fighting and blasting creepier surveillance, with side debates over employee theft, past data breaches, and self-checkout that “yells less” because the cameras—and the lab—are always watching.
Target built a real-life crime lab in Minneapolis to fight shoplifting, and the internet promptly turned it into CSI: Target. The lab, created in 2003, scrubs security footage and smartphone clips to ID suspects, and has even helped cops crack major cases—from arson to abduction—per Forbes. Some posts repeat the bold claim that Target succeeded where the FBI (the Federal Bureau of Investigation) couldn’t, which only fanned the hype.
But the aisle drama is real: privacy hawks are spooked. One commenter deadpanned, “How much forensic-grade surveillance is acceptable while I peruse deodorants and potato chips?” Another accused the story of being sugarcoated, noting other chains allegedly run facial recognition and build shopper profiles. Cue the Big Brother jokes and memes about shopping under a microscope.
Then came the spicy counterpoints. A retail insider said the bigger money leak is actually employee theft, not customers. A cyber-skeptic dragged Target’s past data breach, demanding they fix their defenses before playing detective. And amid the chaos, self-checkout stans declared victory: the machines “yell less” because Target’s deterrence works. Verdict from the comments section: cool tech, creepy vibes, and everyone’s watching everyone—especially on aisle five.
Key Points
- •Target operates a forensics lab in Minneapolis to combat retail theft and analyze surveillance video.
- •The lab was established in 2003; Target has had cameras in all stores since the 1980s (per Forbes).
- •Specialists analyze footage from store cameras and smartphones to identify shoplifters, fraud, and injuries.
- •The lab has assisted external law enforcement in serious crimes, including arsons and murders.
- •A cited case involved Houston police seeking help with damaged footage after the FBI was unable to solve the case; Target repaired the tapes.