Shoplifting M&S

[LouisaFort]

Hello All,

Yesterday I did something incredibly stupid and stole some items from M&S. I was caught. I offered to pay and was allowed to do so £267 I was given a banning letter and also I gave them my name and address. I was told I would receive a fine in the post. No police were called and I fully complied with them. The manager did mention she would inform the police. I implored her not to as I genuinely suffer with a heart condition. I promised I would never go into their stores ever again. She then said "will you try to return the items?" I said "no I've just promised I will not go into one of your stores again".
My anxiety and stress is through the roof and I can't sleep with worry the police will be knocking on my door. As I walked out the security guard said "you'll be ok, nothing will happen" however the manager seemed adamant about involving the police. I have no criminal record and I have a job that requires a DBS. I have sat at home all day crying and feeling sick. I will pay whatever fine from DWF, I have seen conflicting advice on this, but I am so beyond scared of a call from the police. I can't cope with this. Can someone please advise?

[PallasAthena]

You will know that we advise to ignore DWF. They have no legal right to make you pay money and their demands are NOT a fine. They cannot take you to court or give you a criminal record.

As the police were not called at the time it is highly unlikely M&S will involve the police now, especially as you paid for all the items you took so M&S have lost nothing and as (I assume) you are a first time offender.

Of course it is impossible for us here to guarantee what M&S might do but in our experience it is highly unlikely you will ever be contacted by the police. If you are then come back here for advice.

And to be clear, whether M&S take any further action will not be influenced by whether you pay money to DWF.

The incident cannot appear on your DBS unless you are prosecuted and convicted in magistrates court. Neither M&S nor DWF can give you a criminal record nor have anything recorded on a DBS.

[LouisaFort]

Hi Pallasathena,
Thanks for your response. I am deeply ashamed of my behaviour. My only mitigation is I am severely depressed and although I have tried to deal with it I feel I'm fighting a losing battle. I also have a hereditary heart condition, I had heart failure 2 years ago. No excuse I know.
Today I have jumped every time I hear a car outside. Due to the high amount I thought they would call the police today and I would be arrested. As I said the security guard was decent, and quietly said nothing else will happen but you will receive a fine, but it's just the Manager saying she was still going to report it. I am sick with worry.

[PallasAthena]

If your username on this thread is your real name I recommend you change it. Use the Contact us button at the bottom.of the page to contact forum admin and tell them what you want to change it to.

[echat11]

The thing is that you paid, M & S has lost nothing, any 'speculative invoices' you receive should be ignored. If the manager reports it to the police, I'm sure she would get 'short shrift'. Just update the thread if you get any letters.

When you start thinking about this, just do stuff you like i.e. watch TV, listen to music, bake etc.

It might be an idea to book an appointment with your GP to discuss your health needs.

[LouisaFort]

Thank you both I appreciate your kindness. It's not my real name. I just feel so stupid and immoral. I will post any updates and letters I receive. I'm looking at getting some counselling for historical trauma I've never spoken about. Thanks again for not judging.

[wales01man]

Put this to the back of your mind they have no powers to force you to pay anything.
most important get the help you need Good luck