Advice pls, utterly ashamed

[Ashamed]

I was caught with a item of clothing on my bag before I left a changing room today. I have never done anything like that before, broke down and immediately offered to pay. Security took me to a back room and questioned me. They could see I felt utter disgust, physically sick and was so upset so they took my details and a copy of my drivers license but did not call the police or mention taking it any further. I have no excuse for what I've done, there is no excuse. It's totally wrong. I am so upset about what I've done I dare to even confide in a loved one its so out of Character. Please can anyone advise if I should be concerned of any police involvement, prosecution etc? Or if there's anything I can do to make up for this isolated and stupid lack of judgement.

[Kati]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Hi and to LB

As there was no police involvement at the time, you shouldn't worry about that now ... the most you will get is 'begging' letters from a company called RLP

As [MENTION=39710]des8[/MENTION] and [MENTION=2]Celestine[/MENTION] will no doubt assure you, these letters are OK to ignore xx

[Ashamed]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Thank you for your quick response. What about the fact they took my details and copies of my license? I said at the time if they wished to report me I understand as its theft and I have no excuse. Can they do anything after the event? I'm sick to my stomach at my actions without the worry of delayed repercussions.

[Kati]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Thank you for your quick response. What about the fact they took my details and copies of my license? I said at the time if they wished to report me I understand as its theft and I have no excuse. Can they do anything after the event? I'm sick to my stomach at my actions without the worry of delayed repercussions.

The only "people" they will report you to is RLP. They are safe to ignore (even their BIG RED letters :nod ... as no police were called at the time, no police will be called now :thumb:

Did the store get the item(s) back in a sale-able condition (were they damaged at all)?

[Ashamed]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

The item was is perfect condition. I even offered to pay for it. That's the even more stupid/shameful thing it was £8! Thank for the reassurance.

[des8]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Can you tell us which store you were in?
Most retailers use a "civil recovery " outfit called RLP in an attempt to extort money from minor offenders, but there are other outfits .
Here are a couple of links to other threads, where peeps are dealing with threats from RLP
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...ht=#post596129
http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...ht=#post596121

As Kati advises don't worry about police action, but if (when?) you hear from RLP and are concerned come back here for support.

Without knowing your family situation. this might sound presumptious, but if you are in family relationship do confide in them to have their support.
It generally makes the situation easier.

[Ashamed]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Yes of course. It was primark. I don't have much family tbh and those I do have would judge me rather than support. I have a few close friends but that's why I came on here.

[des8]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Primark use RLP, so no problems.
Just get on with your life, and do your best to ignore RLP if they write to you.
You will always be welcomed here.

[Ashamed]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Should I go back and ask them not to refer me to the RLP? Would it make any difference? I'm concerned I'll get there letters and my partner will find out. Whilst I know I should tell him he I don't think he'll understand and he'll judge me.

[Ashamed]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

He's pretty much my only family I don't think I could stand him judging me

[des8]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Pleading with Primark is unlikely to have any effect.
The staff will be following company policy.

Are you sure your partner will judge you ........... he should support you.
This is such a minor offence it is causing you anxiety out of all proportion.

Whilst we don't condone shoplifting (even from Primark!) it is not for us or family or friends to be judgemental.
Obviously a negligible amount was involved and one wonders if there was an underlying reason ... perhaps you are on medication.
I'm not looking for answers but trying to suggest ways you may broach the subject with your partner.

If you don't wish to inform your partner, perhaps you can get to the mail first?
RLP envelopes I believe carry a discreet logo

[Ashamed]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Thank you for your support. I've spoken to him I couldn't not really and he's left the house. Thank you to everyone whose replied.

[des8]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Oh dear ............ hope it works out all right in the end.

[oldbadger]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

I was caught with a item of clothing on my bag before I left a changing room today. ...................

Hello!
I'm not much good at much, but I'm not bad at any shop-confrontations situations.
Look at your sentence....... just above. If that was a euphemism and you did leave the store.... right outside..... before they stopped you, then try not to worry.......... just consider it as a lesson well learned.... ok?
But if you were inside the store, not out on the pavement, when you were stopped, please come right on back and tell immediately.
And if you were out on the pavement, had you stopped, realising your error, before anyone spoke to you?
This is important........ please....

[Ashamed]

Re: Advice pls, utterly ashamed

Thanks Des8.
OldBadger - I was inside the store at the time and what I've previous written is everything that happened.