The Court of Justice of Mato Grosso do Sul confirmed a decision denying a customer's claim for damages after her bag was stolen inside a department store in Camapuã. The woman had argued that the store should be accountable for the theft due to inadequate security measures and slow response from staff following the incident. However, the court's ruling emphasized that a store's liability is not automatic and depends on the circumstances surrounding each case.

The ruling was made by the 5th Civil Chamber and was presented virtually, with the case overseen by Judge Luiz Antônio Cavassa de Almeida. The judge noted that while consumer protection laws exist, they do not impose an unqualified responsibility on retailers for all incidents occurring on their premises. This decision reinforces the notion that customers bear some responsibility for their belongings while shopping, as stores are not insurers of customer property.

This ruling can have broader implications for both consumers and retailers in Brazil, reinforcing the legal perspective regarding responsibilities and liabilities in cases of theft within commercial establishments. It brings attention to the balance needed between consumer rights and the operational realities of retailers, particularly in how security measures are managed and how customer complaints are addressed.