Shoplifting in Primark

[Girl1494]

My friend shoplifted from Primark. Was told to go in a room and empty her bag. They took the things she stole and told her she had to pay a fine of £16.50. The police were not contacted and she was told to leave the premises straight away. However after searching on the internet a lot of people are stating to ignore the letters that she may receive and to not pay as they will eventually leave u alone but would this mean she will be in debt? Will she be able to enter the store again? Will she be arrested for not paying the fine? Please help

[Amethyst]

A fine of £16.50?

If the police weren't called or involved then it is not a fine just an invoice And no she can't be arrested for not paying it… She'll probably just get numerous letters asking her to pay it which she can ignore.What was the value of the goods she was shoplifting? Did they recover the goods in resaleable condition?

[ostell]

Why have you started anothe thread for this? Have you read the answers on your other thread

[Girl1494]

The other thread wouldn’t let me see your replies. They were just like little accessories like a pair of 2£ slippers I think a packet of eyelash wands just little things.

but by ignoring these letters will she be able to get away to get in the store ?

[Amethyst]

Did they ban her from the store?

[Girl1494]

Yes they said she was banned but not how long for

[Girl1494]

She’s really scared. Should she proceed to ignore the letters at any cost. Or if she does pay the RLP would they then leave her alone?

[ostell]

You can ignore RLP. They tried, or rather their customer did, court a few years ago and got so severely beaten that they haven't tried again since.

[Girl1494]

What about if she pays the “fine” would they then leave her alone?

[Amethyst]

Yes. They only care about their 40% commission.

I don't know where the £16.50 is from - these invoices are usually between £90 and £250.

Post when/if a letter arrives - we'd always say ignore unless it's a actual letter of claim from Primark ( RLP cannot bring a claim on their behalf ).

[Girl1494]

The security Guard at Primark said she has to pay £16.50 and will receive a letter for this.

so if she receives a letter from Primark she will have to pay it?

[Amethyst]

Yes they said she was banned but not how long for

Usually a year. I wouldn't worry too much about it but she should be prepared to be chucked out if she does feel like shopping in Primark again. If she shoplifts again then this incident will be on their records and it's far more likely the police will attend - so hopefully this has given her enough of a kick up the bum not to do it again.

[Amethyst]

The security Guard at Primark said she has to pay £16.50 and will receive a letter for this.

so if she receives a letter from Primark she will have to pay it?

If she gets an invoice directly from Primark for £16.50 I'd be amazed.

[ostell]

IT IS NOT A FINE only courts can issue fines. Rlp and their ilk have no legal authority to issue fines.

They are letters hoping that you will be scared into paying then something for their alleged losses. The goods were returned so no loss there and a court determined that what they are trying to claim is also not a loss but the normal cost of doing business and would gave been paid even if you had not been there

[Girl1494]

So what should she do? Ignore every single letter from RLP and Primark or just pay the invoice???