Shoplifting- not caught but worried about cctv

[standard1234]

I really regret what I’ve done and will never do it again but I need some help on this occasion
I took £358 worth of body lotion from M&S - I didn’t need it but still took it and I’m really ashamed and don’t know what got into me to do something like this
I put my own bag inside an M&S shopping basket , filled my own bag up, took it out of the shopping basket and confidently walked to the till to process a return
walked out of the store and nothing happened
I was scared so went back later to check if there was CCTV and I saw cameras right where I did all this plus there’s cameras at the tills
though don’t think there’s cameras all throughout tracing my path from the shelves to the till
no one stopped me the second time as well but now I’m worried that they’ll notice the missing items and check CCTV or just randomly check CCTV and details will be sent to the police
as it is £358 and more than the apparent £200 limit I’m really worried
any advice ? Should I go and put the items back quietly or just hope that it blows over
thank you

[standard1234]

Please can someone help

[echat11]

It's a difficult one, there is nothing to stop you returning them to M & S.

You don't have to return them to the same branch, you could simply box them, post them to another M & S branch away from your location.

The best thing might be to stay away from M & S period.

If you are struggling there is help out there.

[standard1234]

Thanks - I would like to return the items and can do so boxed up. But I’m wondering if putting them back on the shelves in the same store I took from will help
So they don’t notice missing inventory and launch a CCTV investigation

Or am I putting myself in danger by trying to put these back ? How likely is it that they would go through the CCTV footage

I’ve already signed up for help to deal with the mental issues that led me to do this

Thanks for helping me - I’m really stressed - just really unable to focus on anything and I don’t wanna lose my job and reputation
Should have thought of that earlier

[des8]

I would not recommend returning the goods in any way that could be traced back to you.
Trying physically to return them yourself by placing them on a shelf if noted will give rise to much questioning.
From the value you mention I assume there were around 15 items removed, so it is not a case of slipping a single pot back on to a shelf.

I read that M&S use RFID tags and track inventory closely, but don't have a set schedule for a full stock take.

Unlikely that they will scan CCTV footage to try and identify the shortfall in stock, or that the police will be involved.
I would suggest you just store the goods for a while. so that in the unlikely event someone does contact you about this matter, you can return the goods undamaged.
Eventually if you want to calm your conscience you could perhaps donate the items to a charity.

[echat11]

Don't go to the store, don't put them back onto the shelf. If you get caught putting them back, then you will be asked how often you have done this, then they can use technology to go through your previous visits. Des8 has given you sound advice.

[PallasAthena]

If you got caught putting them back on the shelf M&S might jump to a different conclusion altogether. That you had contaminated the goods and resealed them to injure other customers as a terrorist attack.

Incidents like that have happened in the past. So don't risk it.