Sainsbury’s DWF

[garzha]

Hi,
I committed a terrible error and was caught stealing. It was the first time I have been caught, but I have taken some small things from there before. They referred to me as a ‘repeat offender’, and I assume it is because I have stolen before (and I wonder if they have CCTV evidence). I returned the item I took, it was some hot food and so I don’t know if in COVID times they would resell this product. I was let go, no police, and my DOB, address and name was taken. So I am expecting a DWF letter. Do the facts of my incident mean I should pay DWF, as I can’t return the items from previous occasions and unsure of the item when I was caught (but I didn’t take it), + potential CCTV. The total of what I took can’t add up to much, probably not £20. Please help me with this, I feel terrible

[echat11]

Hi GARZHA

What ever letter they send, just ignore the letter, you might get 3 / 4, designed to intimidate you.

If you qualify, then go to a 'food bank', they can help with food.

[garzha]

Even though I’ve taken before, and thus cannot return, do I not owe them the amount for those products, and therefore give them the possibility to enforce their threats?

[echat11]

Even though I’ve taken before, and thus cannot return, do I not owe them the amount for those products, and therefore give them the possibility to enforce their threats?

Yes even because you can't return. In the world of Sainsbury's £20 is negligible, the police weren't called. Even if you paid the £20, they would send a speculative invoice for many times that amount, which they couldn't justify.

[garzha]

Okay, thank you so much. If, more like when, I receive a letter, could I trouble you for some help? I’m hopeful it’ll be as simple as ‘ignore’.

[garzha]

Okay, thank you so much. If, more like when, I receive a letter, could I trouble you for some help? I’m hopeful it’ll be as simple as ‘ignore’ but just in case

[echat11]

If you get any letters, update the thread.

[wales01man]

You owe DWF nothing if you want to clear your conscience put the money you would have paid in a charity pot and get help if you feel that you will do it again

[garzha]

Thanks, I’m going to change my life because of this experience. Do you know when DWF letters usually appear? I keep worrying that I’m going to receive some sort of court letter but from your advice this just seems like anxiety

[garzha]

Would you say that as I was let go in the shop it is unlikely they would go beyond just handing my case to DWF? Do they retrospectively get courts involved? Or as I was let go, and no police, the only repercussion I will face, apart from ban and shame, is the DWF letters?

[echat11]

Really can't add any more, they might send you letters, other then that, anything else is remote.

The more you think about it, the more your mind will race away thinking all sorts of things.