• Welcome to the LegalBeagles Consumer and Legal Forum.
    Please Register to get the most out of the forum. Registration is free and only needs a username and email address.
    REGISTER
    Please do not post your full name, reference numbers or any identifiable details on the forum.

Supermarket shoplifting

Collapse
Loading...
X
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Supermarket shoplifting

    Hello everyone. I was hoping for someone’s opinion on the diabolical matter I have got myself into. For the past few months I have been not been running through items through the self checkout. It’s a chain supermarket but a small store, local to where I live. I didn’t intend to keep doing it at first, and apparently it’s a hotbed for it, as rarely are there any one on the tills and I see others like me do it.
    I got caught a week ago, by an undercover security agent, for not paying for 2 items out of 6. She didn’t give me an option to pay and marched me to the back. She said she could call the police but isn’t going to and took my picture and I gave them my correct details of my address and name. I was given a 3 year ban from all stores, and a letter to that effect. I was told if I enter again anywhere it would be a burglary and they would ring the police straight away. She had her other undercover colleague escort me out. Neither told me what would happen next, in terms of a fine etc.

    my questions are, as I said before, I’ve been doing this a while, so what if I’m already known to them by suspicion , and the undercover security guard didn’t know this
    And let me go by mistake, or that they come across me some way. I’ve heard cctv only last for 30 days at xx is this true? I’m just so scared the police are going to subsequently get in contact. I’ve never been in trouble with the law before. I will never do this again ever!

    my motivation was simply trying to make ends meet, as my mother is struggling financially and I send her money every month, and my sister is between jobs and so I do the same. I’m a qualified xxx and work another job on the side, but I have still struggled. I’m not saying what I’ve done is right, it’s not, but I’m just so scared my life is over now. I’m constantly on edge, and so fearful they have looked back at cctv from months ago and have retained it (although there policy online is to destroy cctv in 30 day windows).

    I won’t be able to work again, and I’m too old to start something new. I’m having suicidal thoughts because il be a burden and I won’t be that to anyone. I know I’ve been stupid, I wish I never would have done it.
    Last edited by ULA; 19th April 2022, 17:36:PM. Reason: Edited at request of OP
    Tags: None

  • #2


    Hi there.

    First up there is no need to worry about a police visit as it is most unlikely, and they won't be trawling through back CCTV files. (very time consuming and just not cost effective)

    If you enter one of the stores covered by the ban you can only be accused of burglary if you commit theft.
    Entering the store is a civil matter and is a trespass, and of no concern to the police.
    All the store may do is ask you to leave, and if you refuse they can use sufficient force to eject you.

    I don't know if xxx operate a "civil recovery" programme.
    If they do, you might well receive a demand from a third party for some extortionate amount.
    The letter will be subtly threatening and dressed in legalese...... and should be ignored.
    If you receive such a demand and it worries you, you can come back here to allay your concerns

    If you are really feeling suicidal and this incident is affecting your mental healtyh, perhaps you should consult your GP
    No need to be embarrassed as they will have heard it all before, and by helping others you put yourself in a bad position.

    look after yourself and cease worrying
    Last edited by ULA; 19th April 2022, 17:37:PM. Reason: Same edit as for OP at their request

    Comment


    • #3
      Hi Bluesky16

      Firstly do stay calm and banish any silly thoughts of anything else, doing this, doing that etc.

      Do you know the amount of the shoplifting? It is likely to be 'insignificant' in the scheme of things.

      The likelihood is that nothing is going to happen to you.

      You will more then likely receive a silly speculative invoice as to what it has cost the supermarket, based on nothing.

      Do not pay, do not worry. Get on with your day to day life. Do things you enjoy to take your mind of things.

      If anything happens, just update the thread.

      p.s. If they haven't got staff to man the tills, it is very unlikely they have staff to go through hours and hours of CCTV.

      Comment


      • #4
        when the silly little letters come, file away - speculative invoices, they lost in a court case but they try, to frighten you with demands they are out of line:- you have not cost them anything in time/wages as these people are salaried like a counter assistant and get paid for the job. next time think and keep hands in pockets if you know what I mean.

        Comment


        • #5
          Any update BLUESKY16??

          Comment


          • #6
            Bluesky16

            Comment


            • #7
              moo you have responses on your thread, this person has not updated (because nothing??)

              Comment

              View our Terms and Conditions

              LegalBeagles Group uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and to create a secure and effective website. By using this website, you are consenting to such use.To find out more and learn how to manage cookies please read our Cookie and Privacy Policy.

              If you would like to opt in, or out, of receiving news and marketing from LegalBeagles Group Ltd you can amend your settings at any time here.


              If you would like to cancel your registration please Contact Us. We will delete your user details on request, however, any previously posted user content will remain on the site with your username removed and 'Guest' inserted.
              Working...
              X