Feel-Good Friday: Donna Hansbrough got her job back edition

A 68-year-old woman was fired from her job at Lowe’s because she tried to stop shoplifters from stealing merchandise. She pursued them outside the store, which is against company policy. She was struck in the face three times by one of the thieves, leaving her with her right eye blackened and swollen.

Instead of being made Employee of the Month and thanked for her diligence on behalf of the company, she was fired. The shoplifting incident happened in Rincon, Georgia on June 25. Three suspects stole about $2,100 worth of merchandise. She left the store and grabbed the shopping cart from one of the thieves. She was the one who struck Donna in the face three times. The incident was posted on Facebook by the Rincon Police Department.

When she was fired, it sparked a backlash on social media by angry supporters of Ms. Hansbrough. Hundreds of Facebook users posted criticism of her firing. She had been an employee of that store for 13 years. Many commenters said they would stop shopping at Lowe’s.

Almost one month later, she was rehired and her husband made the announcement on Facebook. The backlash on social media is being credited for the company’s decision to rehire her. Her husband said she didn’t receive a raise but was asked to stop talking to the media. He said she is happy.

Jay Hansbrough responding to several comments asking if Donna received a raise, saying “no raise, but she is happy.”

— Kaley Fedko WSAV (@kaleyfedkotv) July 24, 2023

She admitted she knew the store’s policy but she “lost it” and reacted.

Hansbrough told the local newspaper she knew about Lowe’s policy but “lost it.”

“I grabbed the cart. I don’t actually remember going out, but I did. And I grabbed the cart that had the stolen items,” she told the paper.

Hansbrough said she didn’t expect to get terminated and was partly motivated by seeing previous shoplifting incidents at the store.

“I just got tired of seeing things get out the door. I just, I lost it. I basically lost all the training, everything they tell you to do. I just, I just lost it.”

Shoplifting is so rampant in retail stores in many places that companies are adopting policies of instructing employees to let the thieves go. This is to protect the employees from harm and it is also a liability issue for the companies.

Lowe’s issued a statement when she was rehired.

On July 24, Lowe’s issued the following statement: “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. 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.” – Larry Costello, senior manager, corporate communications.

When she was fired, she told a reporter that she would look for another job because she isn’t the type of person to just sit at home. Remember, she’s 68.

Hansbrough said she started at Lowes as a cashier, but eventually became a “live-nursery specialist” when they found out she knew a lot about plants.

“My father worked at a nursery and I just kind of tagged along when I was little,” Hansbrough explained. She held that position for a few years until it was eliminated, “And I was just a customer service associate with live plants.”

She added that Lowes let her keep her hours and her pay rate. “Everything was the same. I just didn’t have the title.”

If the case goes to a trial, she said, “If they do need me, I will be there.”

Lowes Robbery in Rincon, Georgia

Wanted in Georgia: Jarmar Lawton, Joseph Berry and Takyah Berry

Rincon, Georgia (July 20, 2023) The Rincon Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating two people who stole over $2,000.00 dollars’ worth of merchandise and… pic.twitter.com/k22tw6RNQX

— FreeThinkerMS (@FreeThinkerMS) July 24, 2023

It’s good news for Donna. Good that the company saw fit to rehire her. She seems like a great employee.