boots shoplifting rlp

[11gumbear]

so on tuesday, me and my friends were caught shoplifting in Boots. All the goods came to 58.97. I really regret this and spent the last few days in tears because of how dreadful I felt. Anyways, the police were not involved, as the security guards gave us the option to tell our parents and have done with it, or call the police. We obviously chose the call the parents route. the security guard then took our details and gave us a banning letter and was told to pay a fine set by the RLP.

of course, being only 16 I started stressing over what to do, as we are struggling with money at the moment and I really don't think I can afford to pay a fine. I looked it up online and saw a lot of posts saying I should just ignore the letters I'll receive but this seems wrong to do as I do owe Boots. I'm petrified that if I just 'ignore' the letters something worse will happen. I really don't know what to do. I can't stop stressing.

[Kati]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

please stop stressing [MENTION=104389]11gumbear[/MENTION] ... you'll get lots of help and support here on LB

If Boots got the items back then you owe nothing!! Ignore is the best thing you can do ... honestly.

tagging [MENTION=39710]des8[/MENTION]

[des8]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

Hi there, and as [MENTION=49370]Kati[/MENTION] says, please don't stress out.

Yes, it was wrong to try and relieve Boots of some of their stock without paying, but it wasn't the crime of the century.

Boots haven't lost anything, as I assume the goods were recovered in a saleable condition, so you don't owe them anything at all.

You will receive a letter from RLP requesting you pay them a substantial sum of money because of the supposed losses you have caused Boots.
Now you have not caused Boots any losses so there is no need to pay them.
This is not a fine. In the UK fines are imposed by the courts, not private commercial companies attempting to make money out of vulnerable people.
They have set themselves up as a sort of alternative justice system, rather like vigilantes and should be treated with the same contempt.

Their letter will use all sorts of legalese to frighten you, but it should be ignored.
Eventually they will write to you in LARGE SCARY RED LETTERS
You can read all their letters here before they send them to you: http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...ry-Letters-RLP
The advice you have read elsewhere is correct..IGNORE< IGNORE AND IGNORE SOME MORE.

In spite of their threats they do not do court, following a heavy defeat a few years back.

I hope you are being supported by your parents.
I realise how worrying it must be for you, but there is nothing to fear.
Put it behind you, and enjoy your summer holidays.

[11gumbear]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

Yes, the goods were returned with absolutely no damage done towards them. Are you absolutely sure I shouldn't just pay. I wouldn't want to risk getting into more trouble but I also don't want to be paying for something I shouldn't be, I am unemployed.

[Kati]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

Yes, the goods were returned with absolutely no damage done towards them. Are you absolutely sure I shouldn't just pay. I wouldn't want to risk getting into more trouble but I also don't want to be paying for something I shouldn't be, I am unemployed.

I'm absolutely certain that you shouldn't be paying. You owe rlp nothing !!

[11gumbear]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

okay so ignore ignore ignore. got it. thank you for your help and wish me luck!!

[Kati]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

okay so ignore ignore ignore. got it. thank you for your help and wish me luck!!

Don't hesitate to come back if you need some support xx

[11gumbear]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

so sorry to be a pain. But I was just wondering, will they eventually start writing to my parents? Surely this isn't allowed without my permission... I was reading some threads and it seems they eventually start to address the letters to the parents.. I know my parents and they'll think the right thing to do will be to pay the fine and have done with it... They won't believe the threads i've read

[Kati]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

so sorry to be a pain. But I was just wondering, will they eventually start writing to my parents? Surely this isn't allowed without my permission... I was reading some threads and it seems they eventually start to address the letters to the parents.. I know my parents and they'll think the right thing to do will be to pay the fine and have done with it... They won't believe the threads i've read

rlp shouldn't write to your parents at all ... it goes against your 'human rights' and against their own guidelines ~

4.Why does RLP write to the juvenile and not their parents?
If RLP wrote to the parents it would be an infringement of the juvenile’s rights, (similar to that of doctor/patient confidentiality). RLP advises the juvenile to discuss the matter with their parents or guardian who can assist in their best interests. (It is a fundamental principle of data protection that the Data Protection Act confers rights on the data subject i.e. the juvenile. Juveniles have the same rights as adults under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act to respect for private and family life and in relation to correspondence. Disclosing sensitive personal data relating to a juvenile without consent or the grounds to do so would be a breach of their human rights, as well as their data protection rights.) This needs to be balanced with the juvenile’s ability to understand their rights and consideration of the best interests of the juvenile. Where there is any doubt, or where parents are already aware of the incident, the client reporting the case for civil recovery will advise RLP who will write to the parents as well as the juvenile

- - - Updated - - -

and ... your parents would be more than welcome to contact the site team here at LB (Contact Form) if they ever felt a need to clarify anything. I'm sure we could put their minds at rest xx

[des8]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

However we have had instances where RLP have written to the parents of juveniles, and justified their action by claiming that the juvenile might have been at risk (being led astray by third parties) and RLP have a duty to advise the parents.

They try and position themselves on the high moral ground as a way of applying pressure and open another funding stream.

Although you might find it difficult I would advise that most often it is better for a young person to bite the bullet and tell their parents about the incident.
Over the next few months you are going to receive a number of letters, and you might find it stressful trying to keep it hidden.
Also it will be less of a shock for them to hear about it from you rather than a letter from RLP.
After the initial reaction you might be pleasantly surprised at the support your parents will hopefully give you.
If you feel unable to face your parents directly, do you have an older relative (an aunt possibly) you could confide in and will support you when you tell your parents?

Whatever you decide I wish you well, and we are here for you.

[11gumbear]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

i've just informed my mother about RLP. She said that even my Father said 'only a court can fine you' so at least he knows this!! My mother said she's going to get help from the citizens bureau or something on what to do, even though I did show her this thread. Will going to them get me in trouble?? Also, my father told my mother that he'll call up and tell them to 'leave me alone' but this is the worst thing he coukd do!!! I'm so nervous omg!!

[Amethyst]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

lol, well done for discussing it with your parents It's natural they will worry and want to deal with things ' properly ' ... if you possibly can try get your father not to ring RLP. If he does the letters will go on for longer as they'll know they have a 'hook'. It won't get you in trouble, just might prolong the agony... but we'll let him off that I love that his first reaction is that RLP can't 'fine' you... he's completely right.

Citizens Advice.... they are quite weird with RLP now, particularly considering it was they involved directly in the Oxford case - they seem to have reverted to their usual line of just pay everything regardless of whether you owe it ( sorry CAB but seriously!) .... they may have been scared off by the threats RLP made against them ( and us ) for publishing the judgment... or just playing 'safe'. It will be interesting though if your Mum feels like reporting back what they say. Going to CAB won't get you in trouble either though, and might set your Mums mind at rest a little. If they recommend you pay and your parents want to then don't have a fall out about it, lots of people do just pay them, probably same proportion that don't defend a court claim ( about 87%)... it's what they rely on and what keeps them in business.

Some bits about the Oxford case is http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...h-and-the-lies if they fancy doing some background reading.

[des8]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

Well I'm so pleased for you that you told your parents and they are supporting you.

Citizens Advice Bureau vary in quality from town to town, but going to them won't get you into any trouble.
Not all advisers are fully informed of the latest manner in which the different civil recovery companies operate.
RLP, in spite of threatening court, have not advised any of their clients to initiate court action since the"Oxford Case".
RLP cannot themselves start court action, it would have to be Boots (and they have no losses to claim)
In the Oxford Case RLP clients lost a case against two shop lifters, and were spanked metaphorically by the judge.

The trial:http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...h-and-the-lies
The judgement: http://legalbeagles.info/forums/show...gment-09-05-12

I would recommend your father does not contact RLP in any way at all.
Contact only seems to encourage them to redouble their efforts, as it seems they think they may have hooked a fish, or found someone who is especially vulnerable.
It is easier and quicker just to ignore their demands.

The only thing never to ignore is genuine court papers, and you won't see them over this incident



Edit: at least we sing from the same hymn sheet [MENTION=6]Amethyst[/MENTION]

[wales01man]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

i've just informed my mother about RLP. She said that even my Father said 'only a court can fine you' so at least he knows this!! My mother said she's going to get help from the citizens bureau or something on what to do, even though I did show her this thread. Will going to them get me in trouble?? Also, my father told my mother that he'll call up and tell them to 'leave me alone' but this is the worst thing he coukd do!!! I'm so nervous omg!!

Well done for telling mum and dad

[11gumbear]

Re: boots shoplifting rlp

Just got two missed calls from RLP asking to speak to me... My mother said that she's worried that if I ignore the calls, Boots will want to take it further...