Caught shoplifting in TK Maxx

[char990]

Hi there,

i’m looking for some advice as I’m really anxious about this whole thing. I got caught stealing in TK maxx recently, I know it was a very stupid thing to do, I only did it as I’m a student and struggling with money, i’m not looking for any sympathy, just some guidance. I know I did wrong and will definitely not be doing it again! I was going to take an item so I went to take the tag off, I decided not to steal it as I got too worried so I went and paid for ones with the tag on, on my way out I stole some small items and earlier had put something in my bag that I’d forgotten about, i’m so annoyed at myef I just thought they were small things and I could get away with it, i was stopped on my way out, he took me to a back room, he told me right from the start that no police would be involved.


They said I would have to pay for everything I had taken, including the item I didn’t steal as I had damaged it trying to take the tag off, and that it would be even more than the total of those items. They kept saying there would be no police as long as I paid when I get the letter, I gave them my real name as they asked for ID and not my home address (I didn’t want my parents to find it) but an address that I am at often. They said I can pay as little as £5 a month if I am struggling, but then I could be be in debt for years, I’m scared to ignore the letters as they have my name, I don’t know what to do, I’m thinking I will just have to pay at the slowest possible rate ... please help

[Kati]

Welcome to LB

You'll probably receive a letter in a few weeks from a company called RLP ... it is not an invoice or a bill and personally (I know others will agree) I would say ignore it!

RLP usually send a few letters (some even have scary red writing on them lol, but if you try to contact them they'll hassle you even more.

Hopefully other Beagles will be along soon to help too.

xx

[char990]

Thanks for your response! I’ve read so many threads saying to ignore it i’m just scared it could get a lot worse and I don’t want one stupid mistake to affect my life

[Kati]

Thanks for your response! I’ve read so many threads saying to ignore it i’m just scared it could get a lot worse and I don’t want one stupid mistake to affect my life

Honestly ... no police were involved so you don't have a criminal record. The store got the goods back. The letters from RLP are best ignored!

[char990]

Thanks for your response! I’ve read so many threads saying to ignore it i’m just scared it could get a lot worse and I don’t want one stupid mistake to affect my life

I still haven't received a letter, it's been over 2 weeks now, any ideas how long it usually takes?

[des8]

It can be up to 6 weeks after the event (sometimes even longer)
If you are anxious to read what they write you can see them here: https://legalbeagles.info/forums/for...rs-rlp-and-dwf

[char990]

Update: I’ve now received 2 letters, would it be helpful if I post them on here or email them?

[charitynjw]

Any of these look familiar?
[Click link below]

[char990]

Yep! Essentially the same thing, waiting for the 3rd letter which should be arriving soon, I get that RLP can’t take anyone to court themselves, only the retailer can so I understand? I don’t suppose anyone would know if RLP actually update the retailer about not receiving payment or a response...? I’m really scared of being the person the retailer decides to take action against how many letters will I receive before they give up ? Also I’m only at the address they have for another 3 or 4 months, so I won’t even know if any further action were to be taken which worrys me

[charitynjw]

I've been a poster on LB for many years now (as have Kati & des8).
We've seen loads of these cases (mostly RLP).
No-one has come back to say that they are being taken to court.

[char990]

Thanks for your response! Am I more at risk due to the fact that one of items I attempted to steal was damaged? I obviously don’t want to notify them about my change of address, but it worries me as I wouldn’t even know about receiving a letter about court

[charitynjw]

Imho you are not at risk at all re the damage.

TK have not uttered a 'legal' peep, only those jokers at RLP. with their pseudo legal garbage.

Have you read the 'Oxford' case? (See below)

In particular the last 4 paragraphs of it.

Although this was only a County Court case (& so does not create a precedent), RLP have never had the cojones to try it again.

[char990]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the help, I guess they’re good at scaring people !

[charitynjw]

Only when you don't know, lol!

[des8]

Look at the situation from TKMax's viewpoint

The goods you attempted to steal were low value (I'm guessing).
Any successful court action would only be able to recoup their purchase cost and very limited court costs.
To go to court they would need to employ solicitors whose costs they could never recover.

They want to make a profit, not throw money away on a case they most likely would lose anyway!¬