Caught shoplifting

[Blueeyes1888]

I don’t know why I did this, I’ve done it a couple of times and feel like a total idiot.

Today i I was caught shoplifting from Debenhams. I was walking out of shop when I was stopped by the security guard and taken to the interviewing room. I was told to empty my bag. I had stole about £180 worth of perfume.

I completly borke dowb and admitted mg guilt. They said they had noticed me from a couple weeks ago and had me on cctv.

I spoke to the girls there and they agreed they had to phone the police as it was protocol. The police arrived and took my details and done a check. I waited about half an hour and they came back.

I have no previous criminal record. They decided they would caution me and I would pay a fine. I did not receive any paperwork apart from a letter from the shop banning me.

They read me something about charge 1 and 2 but I got no paperwork?

The police escorted me from the shop and left with a disc of cctv.

Have i been charged with an offence? And is it a police charge I’ll receive or a letter from RLP?

im a total mess right now and I know what I did was wrong.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

[des8]

Re: Caught shoplifting

Hi and welcome

Yep, you shouldn't have, but you did and it isn't the crime of the century so please stop worrying.

You said the police "decided they would caution me and I would pay a fine."
If the police issue a CAUTION there is no fine
If the police issue a FIXED PENALTY NOTICE there is a penalty to pay. (but I think the value of the goods must not exceed £100)

Don't know what the reference to charge1 & 2 is, but you certainly have not yet been charged and it is most unlikely that you ever will be (over this offence anyway!)


I suspect the reference to the "fine" was about the demand you will receive from RLP for some exorbitant amount of money.
Just look on this forum to see RLP's reputation and here to read a preview of the letters they will be sending you and you will ignore! http://legalbeagles.info/forums/showthread.php?96648-The-Scary-Letters-RLP-and-DWF&highlight=scary+letters

[Blueeyes1888]

Re: Caught shoplifting

It’s all so confusing. I don’t think I’ve been charged considering I left with no paperwork at all from the police and they seemed to be pretty friendly. Even called me a numpty and to have a nice Christmas.

I will await the letter snd hope my morher mother in law doesn’t see it first.

Thank you you for your response.