shoplifting in m and s - DVF

[Belly123]

Hi there

I have been reading through alot of the threads and seem to have an idea of it all but im still anxious and just want to confirm a few things to able to handle this as my anxiety is through the roof.

I was caught shoplifting in m and s... ( im so ashamed) literally taking food to feed myself and my kids... dumbest move ive ever made and im so ashamed its caused severe anxiety (but thats another story)
I was told after getting caught, that I was going to get a lifetime ban from m and s nationwide, would recive a fine and i could if i wanted to try and appeak the lifetime ban.

My question is - how do they know i have a nationwide ban...?I get the store i did it in (my local....CRINGE - but i suppose not the end of the world) but who do they check in all stores? if I try and pay via card is it tracked... or does it also mean online?>

Ive recieved the DVF letter for an £85 fine, most threads say ignore it.... Does this affect my credit score? or even get passed over to the police for not compiling?

Do I even bother to appeal until i hear from them....

I was so shocked and embarrssed when I was caught i couldnt wait to get out of there - so I just didnt have the nergy to argue my case or even question them - they made me feel like utter shit...

sorry for long post

thanks

[des8]

Hi there.
In answer to your questions:

"how do they know i have a nationwide ban?".They circulate your details to all their stores, but the chances of being picked up are remote unless they are using facial recognition software (which M&S do in some stores)

"if I try and pay via card is it tracked" Possibly (so use cash!)

As you have been banned, if you return to the stores and are recognised all they can do is to ask you to leave, and escort you out UNLESS you have been noted shoplifting again, in which case you could be charged with burglary rather than theft.

The invoice (NOT A FINE...only courts issue fines in the UK) may be ignored.
It will have no affect on your credit rating.
If unpaid it will not be reported to the police.
It is not a crime not to pay an invoice.

Now forget about it, and steer clear of M&S (for at least a few months until they have forgotten you).
You mention you were stealing to feed yourself and your children.
If your are in difficulties may I suggest contacting Citizens Advice Bureau to see if there is any local assistance available

Anyway, now is the time to stop fretting and to look after yourself and your children

[Belly123]

Thank you so much for your response DES8.

I cant belive they use facial recognition...
I suppose I just assumed as I am not what a would call a 'known shoplifter' therefore they would forget about me - for a couple of quid of food.

Ah so the DVF is an invoice not a fine.. it says that there response is seperate to the case M and S make. Will they try and contact me seperatly?
Defiantely no debt collectors or anything will come to my door if i ignore it?
How can they get away with it if that is the case.

In theory if i ignore the letters then this whole thing can be forgotten about?

Im trying to stop fretting, thank you but its hard as I have alot of anxiety about it.

thanks

[des8]

M&S won't be in contact.
They pass your details to DWF who sell themselves as experts in recouping M&S' imagined losses.
Any money obtained from offenders is then split between them.
They are not going to report that they, the experts, failed to pressurise you into paying.

They can "get away with it" because firstly it is not illegal to send out speculative invoices.
And then many people are scared and worried that if they don't pay they will be taken to court.
So they pile on the pressure hoping you will pay.
The last time (April 2012) one of these civil recovery firms took a case to court they lost heavily

No debt collectors as there is no debt

[Belly123]

Hi THERE

ince my last message, I have been getting calls from DWF...how did they get my number? I have actually blocked the umber that they ring off as they kept leaving a voicemail - but im sure they will just keep trying on another one.
Is this protocall?

[des8]

It is not difficult to obtain telephone numbers (in the "old days" we used directories )

You could write and tell them to cease contacting you and if they continue you will take action under the Protection from Harassment Act, but IMO the best course of action is to block them as you have done, and continue ignoring.
Do not make that threat unless you are prepared to carry it through to court