Most American retailers have adopted a very strict "do not pursue" policy, to the point where any employee or manager who attempts to chase or physically stop a shoplifter can expect to be fired. The rationale seems to be that any injury to the employee is going to cost the retailer more than any amount of merchandise a shoplifter could walk off with (American healthcare might not be the best, but it's definitely the most expensive). The store I work in does, however, work pretty closely with the local police in trying to apprehend shoplifters and track down the more expensive stuff when it gets stolen.