Consequences for shoplifting?

I'm kinda new at my Walmart. Only been here a few months. Suddenly our managers are now writing up cashiers at the self checkout for customers who walk out with items without paying. And today they "announced" that cashiers on self checkout would now be required to pay for stolen goods if customers make it through the self checkout without paying. Are they actually allowed to do this?? I can't afford to pay for everything that walks out that door and we aren't allowed to stop thieves either.. 😭

Edit: Thanks to everyone who answered my questions! The coach is just talking out their ass because even the front end team leads are telling everyone now that it's not true and that they can't do that. Must've just been a scare tactic since a thief recently made off with a few hundred in goods through self checkout.