My mum has started shoplifting - what do I do?

[ukmad04]

My mum is 52 years old and we live in the UK. She's never been in trouble with the police before apart from speeding tickets and parking fines. However on Wednesday 8th June 2022, she stole a £5.00 bottle of washing conditioner from Wilko's and got out without being caught. On 15th June 2022, she went back to Wilko's and stole £10.00 underwear. She got out without being caught.

However yesterday (17/06/2022) the police put an appeal on social media with two CCTV pictures from her stealing and she is now wanted. Do I report to police where she lives or do I just wait for them to come and get her?

Does anyone know what punishment she is likely to receive if found guilty of these two offences?

[islandgirl]

If charged (not a certainty) here are the mags guidelines - it would be a C3 offence I believe so fine/discharge
https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk...shop-or-stall/

[DE DOGS]

There are possible underlying problems with Mum, time to ask questions, sometimes they do this just because they can, have a word with her point out the repercussions of Police knocking at the door, and possible Court action.

[Shelly123]

If you return the items to the owners then there will be no theft. Can you do that?

[islandgirl]

No. The only chance would be to return the items saying you took them entirely by accident but if the CCTV shows someone concealing them deliberately rather than say missing them in the trolley underneath a bag when checking out then you would not be believed. Many of the cases I see are ones where the goods are recovered but a prosecution is still carried out.

[MIKE770]

Experience in past was the person going through something. Like loss partner or such? Underline factor???

[DE DOGS]

Experience in past was the person going through something. Like loss partner or such? Underline factor???

Mike that was my thoughts.

[dslippy]

"If you return the items to the owners then there will be no theft. "

Not correct. The theft is complete if the requisite intention is present at the time of the appropriation.

Returning the goods is a big mitigation, but the offence once committed cannot be uncommitted.

[dslippy]

"Do I report to police where she lives or do I just wait for them to come and get her?"

She goes to te police station off her own bat. She should know very clearly that she must get the duty solicitor, or better arrange to go in with one.