The proper thing for the company to do would be tell her thanks for her efforts but not to do that in the future as it could risk her life.
Absolutely!
Additionally, on behalf of the shareholders and for the future safety and wellbeing of the employees the store ought to go on the offense. Imagine the argument of an employee who gets hassled/injured on the premises by a thief when the store has made no attempt to thwart theft.
It would be quite easy and relatively inexpensive to install effective camera surveillance both inside and outside in the parking lot (to capture license numbers, identify cohorts, etc.) and then whenever possible, to bring both civil and criminal charges.
Lowes is basically telling the crooks they can do as they wish. Steal, punch the employees, walk out with their goods, and an experienced employee is fired.
It seems to me that Lowe’s current policies is the one putting their employees at risk. For she got injured and the thief got away.