Shoplifting RLP Civil Recovery help

[legalthrowaway]

I'm age 16. I found a damaged pack of £1 tampons in a superdrug shelf and took two tampons from the box for fun, idiotic I realise. Around half an hour later after leaving the store a plain clothed agent brought me back to the store and police were called to take my details. They told me they would do a civil recovery. Since I have received a letter from the RLP stating that I have 21 days to pay £89.50. The letter also states that this is completely civil and not criminal.
The box was already damaged but I returned the goods which I had taken, however the agent said that it could not be resold due to damages.
What are my options?
If I ignore this letter will there be repercussions?

[paulajayne]

Re: Shoplifting RLP Civil Recovery help

IGNORE, and search RLP on this site.

[Kati]

Re: Shoplifting RLP Civil Recovery help

definitely ignore ... they are not worth worrying about xx

(tagging [MENTION=39710]des8[/MENTION] [MENTION=31453]PAWS[/MENTION] [MENTION=2]Celestine[/MENTION] for extra support for you)

[des8]

Re: Shoplifting RLP Civil Recovery help

I can't believe the store set the tracker dogs on you for two tampons removed from a damaged pack, and then called the police.
I wonder how the attending officers kept a straight face.

If you have researched RLP, you will know the advice is to IGNORE, IGNORE and IGNORE again.
They will write a number of threatening letters, possibly refer the matter to a debt collector, plead with you to pay a reduced amount and then give up.

As you are a minor they might write to your parents (if they have their address)
They shouldn't, but pretend they are concerned for your welfare.
In fact they will try and extort the money from your parents.
So if you haven't already mentioned the incident to your parents, you might consider telling them before the letter arrives on their doorstep!

[PAWS]

Re: Shoplifting RLP Civil Recovery help

I totally agree with all that has been said above. I would definitely mention it to your parents and any subsequent row will be better than day after day worrying about the post! I would also tell your parents to read all the advice on here about these scum bags and ignore them.