Son caught shop lifting

[Vicky7211]

Hi there I don't know if this is the right forum to ask for advice about my 15 y/of son who has been wrongfully accused of shop lifting. I'm in a bit of a state about it and wondered if you can point me in the right direction. Many thanks

[paulajayne]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Right place - Need more info to offer the best guidance.

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Of thanks for that.my son has had an interview under caution today, over an alleged shop lifting offense of an ecig juice worth £2.50. The cctv footage shows him and a friend looking in a draw containing the juices. From the angle of the footage it looks like my son had put one in his bag however, on scrutinising it, my son had picked one up with his left hand but at the same time he searched his man bag with thecright hand for his money. After thinking he hadn't got his with him he dropped it back in the draw. The footage clearly shows his right hand empty as he put his hand in his bag but does not show him putting it back in because his friend was in the way. A duty solicitor was there but said nothing throughout the entire interview. The police are now calling his mate back in for another interview and is going to present the case to a prosecution service. I refused consent for photographs and finger prints till they have solid proof. I am now worried about this prosecution service and whether they will look at the cctv footage carfully enough. He is not a theif and would have admitted it before now if he had done anything. This has wound me up and I'm angry that his future could be put in jeopardy because of an assumption. He is a law abiding army cadet who is eager to do good deeds for people and find it so unfair. Could you please tell me if I have done the right thing or not, and give me some guide nice on what to expect next. I am quite teary right now because I'm so angry. Thank you very much.

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

I have replied but I don't know if I have replied to you directly or just replied to the thread. Sorry I m a bit tech illiterate lol

[happylife]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

I would be very surprised if this went any further. Is your son adamant he never stole the Juice?

If there's any doubt and for £2.50, I really don't think this will go further than a ticking off.

[wales01man]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

A ticking off probably think this heavy handed Police involvement will stop any more of this silliness from him a good lesson to learn

[happylife]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

A ticking off probably think this heavy handed Police involvement will stop any more of this silliness from him a good lesson to learn

I agree. The best thing is for Vickys son to not lie. That makes things worse IMO. He will probably receive a ban from the shop and a police verbal.

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

I am relieved to hear that and thank you for your response. The interviewing police officer is adamant he took it. And why should we settle for a ticking off if he didn'to do anything? He will be leaving school next year and has a promising future at an international engineering firm or, a future in the forces. An enhanced CBR check would raise it's ugly head and jeopardise this? He is adamant he didn't do it. I have done the same thing myself many times but have been more aware than a 15 y/o of what this can be perceived as. How lightly is it that it would be dropped and nothing appearing on his record? And what do I do to achieve this? It is a matter of principle for me even though it is a petty thing I just despise injustice no matter how minor. I appreciate your help and I'm very greatful!

- - - Updated - - -

He is banned from the shop...by me, in fact I have banned the whole family.

[des8]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Can you please tell us the name of the store concerned >>>>>>>>>> I don't want to shop there either!

What other evidence do they have besides a dodgy cctv footage?
Was he stopped in the store?
Did he have a carton with him when stopped?

Even if your son had taken the item, and he was found with it concealed, I find it incredible the police are considering prosecution for such a minor offence by a juvenile. There are more cost effective ways of dealing with such minor misdemeanours. I wonder if the police are applying false pressure
to persuade your son to accept eg a caution as it is easiest course for them.

[happylife]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

, I find it incredible the police are considering prosecution for such a minor offence by a juvenile.

Nothing surprises me any more what goes to the CPS and what doesn't. Police say they are stretched to the limit but seems the Minor offence are the ones they have time for these days, I've been there..

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Can you please tell us the name of the store concerned >>>>>>>>>> I don't want to shop there either!

What other evidence do they have besides a dodgy cctv footage?
Was he stopped in the store?
Did he have a carton with him when stopped?

Even if your son had taken the item, and he was found with it concealed, I find it incredible the police are considering prosecution for such a minor offence by a juvenile. There are more cost effective ways of dealing with such minor misdemeanours. I wonder if the police are applying false pressure
to persuade your son to accept eg a caution as it is easiest course for them.

It is a local DIY store (not a chain) he was not stopped at the store. A note was posted through my letterbox by the interviewing police officer on a Sunday morning, 10 days after the incident was supposed to have happened. My son has difficulties expressing himself verbally and has in the past ha speech and language therepy for his lack of communication. Therefore it was frustrating to watch. The owner of the shop has always commented to me what a good boy he is and doesn'the touch his stock like other kids do and how he keeps his hands to himself. if he had done it trust me I would want to see him punished. I will not accept a caution this would admit guilt. TheBay only other evidence is what ever was said in the interview with his mate and I don't think he said much either.

[des8]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

PACE code of practice says:
"4.19 The suspect shall be handed a notice which explains:
. how the audio recording will be used
. the arrangements for access to it
. that if the person is charged or informed they will be prosecuted, a copy
of the
audio recording will be supplied as soon as practicable or as otherwise
agreed
between the suspect and the police or on the order of a court."

Was the interview recorded?
If so your son should request a copy or transcript of it.

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Yes it was recorded and all formalities were adhered to. I didn't know we could have a copy though, maybe I missed that bit. Thanks

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

So can I can conclude from the replies and comments that this will not go any further than a ticking off ? Or will it actually go to a prosecution service?

[wales01man]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Impossible to say if it will go any further