Shoplifting

[catnip55]

Re: Shoplifting

Hi Catnip ,

I am so terribly sorry to read what you and your daughter are going through.

I have some observations to offer that may or may not be helpful - I really hope they are.

Shoplifting sucks the blood out of retail but the main perpetrators are organized gangs. I would suspect that your daughter's age, and obvious confused state, may have contributed to the (IMO draconian) decision taken.

In your shoes, I would identify the "top person" running this retail centre and the CEO of the outlet concerned - and write them a cri de coeur - outlining that

- to her horror, your daughter had acted completely out of character as a direct result of her prescribed medication for a severe illness, and of the illness itself

- she is mortified and apologizes without reservation

- she is having her medication and treatment reviewed

- she will never do this again

- it is extremely important to her therapy and rehabilitation to spend time in the shopping center, which is one place she feels safe (etc) and she begs you to reconsider the ban

and so on.

As an aside, I believe strongly in reconciliation and restorative justice - if it were me, I would also consider returning the goods stolen 6 weeks before or paying for them.

I don't think your daughter need have any worries at all about CCTV from 6 weeks ago - it would take a murder investigation to unearth that. Even then...

I wish you so well and also offer these links for support as both charities have given practical help to those I care for

http://www.mind.org.uk/information-s.../#.UtgeRbSoico

http://www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/

NHS/government provision in this area being so inadequate.

:tinysmile_kiss_t4: x

Thank you so much, you're very kind. I have just looked at the mind website. I didn't even know this existed. She spends so much time at the doctors and being sent to see different specialists, I can't believe this organisation hasn't been made known to her. I will ring them tomorrow.

[catnip55]

Re: Shoplifting

Not wanting to support these retail security goons but how are they to know the person caught after taking goods without paying has any mental problems? Any one caught can say they they are?

I certainly wouldn't blame them for being skeptical, or thinking she was just high. I suspect they get pretty jaded in that job. They tend to see the worst side of people a lot of the time.

[catnip55]

Re: Shoplifting

You've all been very kind and helpful so I thought I'd let you know, I spoke to her doctor earlier, and arranged for a letter to be sent to her disclosing her condition. I will include this with the letter I send for the appeal. I will hope for the best, and maybe they'll be understanding.

[wales01man]

Re: Shoplifting

I may be wrong but can I suggest she never goes to this centre again without someone with her maybe if she is seen again on her own anther security goon knowing who she is may try to cause trouble?

Good luck with getting her help

[enquirer]

Re: Shoplifting

I suspect that the real issue is not access to the shopping centre - it's getting the admission of theft expunged.

If the owners of the shop, and of the shopping centre won't play ball, then the only way that can be done is through the courts. D must either sue, or invite prosecution.

Neither of which would be a good idea.

[bluebottle]

Re: Shoplifting

I suspect that the real issue is not access to the shopping centre - it's getting the admission of theft expunged.

If the owners of the shop, and of the shopping centre won't play ball, then the only way that can be done is through the courts. D must either sue, or invite prosecution.

Neither of which would be a good idea.

CPS wouldn't entertain a prosecution, Enquirer. The OP's daughter's mental state alone would kill any prosecution as it would raise reasonable doubt. I also doubt an admission of theft, given her mental state and the medication she is on, would stand firm at a court hearing either. The problem I forsee is Corporate Paranoia and Prejudice.

[MissFM]

Re: Shoplifting

I think it would be a mistake to prejudge any reaction to Catnip's proposed overture. Behind every uniform and job-title lies a human heart and this can be reached and does reveal itself from time to time.

We, as a family, certainly met with extreme, unprovoked kindness from both the people you refer to as "goons" and the police when one of our children suffered a bizarre mental illness which led to much more destructive behaviour than a bit of shoplifting.

[bluebottle]

Re: Shoplifting

[QUOTE=MissFM;402879]I think it would be a mistake to prejudge any reaction to Catnip's proposed overture. Behind every uniform and job-title lies a human heart and this can be reached and does reveal itself from time to time.

We, as a family, certainly met with extreme, unprovoked kindness from both the people you refer to as "goons" and the police when one of our children suffered a bizarre mental illness which led to much more destructive behaviour than a bit of shoplifting. [/QUOTE]

I can relate to the bit I've highlighted in bold type. Nearly 17 years ago, I suffered a very bad psychotic episode. It was frightening not only for me, but for others, also. The police officers who took me to a place of safety were brilliant.

[catnip55]

Re: Shoplifting

I may be wrong but can I suggest she never goes to this centre again without someone with her maybe if she is seen again on her own anther security goon knowing who she is may try to cause trouble?

Good luck with getting her help

That's a very good idea, one which will be implemented if she can get the ban revoked.

[austin75]

Re: Shoplifting

Most of the shops keep the footage up to two weeks and after that they delete it. There is nothing to worry much now because they already punished her by imposing ban on her.

[Johnysam]

Re: Shoplifting

Hi There,
I am very sorry to read about the incident that took place with your daughter. However, I would suggest that your daughter should confront and talk to the shopkeeper.