caught stealing and letter from RLP.

[franky90]

Hello, I got caught stealing goods worth 16£ and I am also banned from the store for one year. When I was caught the security guys phoned the police straight away and I got arrested and taken to a police station where they took my finger prints and stuff. When I left the police station I didn't give me any fine or anything although I was told I was charged for shoplifting. Taking into account this is my first offence, is it likely to be taken to court for that amount?

Now I have a letter from RLP claiming 50£. I don't know what to do, should I just ignore it as everyone here says? I wouldn't like to be taken to court for such a small amount of money.

Thank you.

[MissFM]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

Hi franky90 and to LegalBeagles,

AFAIK this is still a free country and you have to be convicted in a court of law (where you have the opportunity to defend yourself) before you become a criminal.

RLP send out speculative invoices to trade on the fear people experience when they are apprehended, as you were, in an alleged minor offence for which they have NOT been convicted.

In your shoes, I would tell them (politely) to take a running jump, citing the Oxford Case.

More knowledgeable and experienced Beagles may differ.

xx

[wales01man]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

To right you are a suspect until you are convicted if this goes to court RLP are just money grabbers trying it on

[franky90]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

Hi franky90 and to LegalBeagles,

AFAIK this is still a free country and you have to be convicted in a court of law (where you have the opportunity to defend yourself) before you become a criminal.

RLP send out speculative invoices to trade on the fear people experience when they are apprehended, as you were, in an alleged minor offence for which they have NOT been convicted.

In your shoes, I would tell them (politely) to take a running jump, citing the Oxford Case.

More knowledgeable and experienced Beagles may differ.

xx

If they don't have any reason to take further actions why don't I just ignore them?

[MissFM]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

Good point.

[Kati]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

I agree ... just ignore them!! File the letters in the bin and think of it as a lesson learned :tinysmile_twink_t2:
I do have a question tho' ... did you return the goods at the time??

[franky90]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

Yes, returned the items although one of the security guys said that the paper that wrapped the item was damaged and they would not be able to sell it again.

[Kati]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

If RLP follow their usual route ... you'll get a few (increasingly threatening) letters before they drop it. File them in the bin unless they actually issue a court claim (not at all likely):tinysmile_twink_t2:

[franky90]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

how come I didn't get any fine when taken to the police station?

[MissFM]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

how come I didn't get any fine when taken to the police station?

exactly!aw:

[franky90]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

what do you mean?

[MissFM]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

what do you mean?

I mean that there is absolutely no legal standing in any action against you unless you are taken to court and convicted - which won't happen

[MissFM]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

Sorry Frankie - what we all mean is that you don't need to worry at all x

[franky90]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

Okey thank you for your time guys!

[MissFM]

Re: caught stealing and letter from RLP.

You can either completely ignore it (recommended - but they will probably continue to send scary letters) or you can write as suggested quoting the "Oxford Case" and possible Arkell v.Pressdram
http://www.nasw.org/users/nbauman/arkell.htm