RLP - wrongfully accused but have no proof

[Firedragon]

Help- have read a few articles about RLP. I have been wrongly accused of shoplifting in a supermarket. Police were called because they said I was not accepting responsibility and because I had no documents on me to proof my identity( I had just been to a gym so didn’t have any documents on me). I had two jumpers from the shop in my bag and took them inside the shop when I went to do my food shopping. Stupidly because I didn’t have the receipts on me I should not have taken them inside. I was questioned by 4 people repeatedly changing my words and made me feel super nervous . When police came they immediately said not to waste their time as the shop could choose to prosecute if I didn’t let them take my photo. They took my items and bam me from the store but I have now received a letter from solicitors on their behalf asking me to pay a £150 for security costs . What do I do? I can’t afford this. Shall I ask to pay by instalments? Is this an admission of guilt? Can they charge me this and still take me to court? I requested the cctv but was told they don’t share this with the public only with the police . I’m so stressed over this , I suffer from panic attacks and couldn’t control my emotions or words and haven’t been able to sleep well since . I can’t afford a solicitor but I’m wondering whether I should contact one? Thank you in advance and apologies for long message

[des8]

A disconcerting and frightening situation for you..

Did the police confirm they aren't intent on taking any further action?

You refer to RLP in your heading, but refer to a solicitor in your post.
Is this DWF?
They can be ignored, just as if they are RLP
No need for a solicitor

[ostell]

Were the jumpers one's you had bought from the store previously at another time?

[echat11]

You need to be clear if and when you communicate with them, always in writing, so you have a record.

This isn't correct, 'I requested the cctv but was told they don’t share this with the public only with the police.

https://www.gov.uk/request-cctv-footage-of-yourself

https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters...-of-your-data/

[Firedragon]

I was accused in Sainsburys however I already had the items with me on my bag when I entered the store. Unfortunately I didn’t have receipts and couldn’t prove when I had purchase them . Anyway police were called but I was forced to let them take my photo to ban me from the store. They stayed with my items . 1 week later I receive a fine for security costs £150. What do I do? I asked them at the time to let me see the cctv and was told this is not shown to the public only to police. Only told that I was walking suspiciously in store ( whatever that means). Do I need to pay this?what happens if I don’t? I’m worried that they took my photo - don’t know what they will do with it?

[des8]

You do not need to pay the charges for their imagined security costs.
Just ignore that letter, and others that will follow.
They will eventually realise you are not going to pay, and as there is no legal basis for the charge, they will stop sending them.

Whether or not you want to try and recover your jumpers is another matter.
It seems you will have to get legal with them to obtain a copy of the CCTV and then make a demand that they return your goods.
However you will have to demonstrate ownership of the items, and if you don't have the receipts it might not be worth the hassle

[Firedragon]

Ostell- the jumpers I had bought them a week or so ago from a different Sainsburys shop . I took them inside with me thinking that was going to change size but then remembered because I had been to the gym I didn’t have my purse with me where I thought the receipts were . I did Tou h the same jumpers in store to get an idea between the sizes of what I had the the bigger one

[Firedragon]

DES8- can they threat to take me to court for not paying ? This is affecting my mental health so much - insomnia and anxiety scared of going into any shops . I’m a hard working person, been in UO for 22 years , did university here and worked full time through my studies . Always paid my taxes and everything.
Question - if I don’t pay them will this be on my credit file ?
Police told me that this should teach me a lesson to keep my receipts .

[Firedragon]

DES8- sorry last question - they said as part of the ban I had to remove my mask and allow them to take my photo . I’m worried what they may do with this ?

[MIKE770]

no they are entitled to nothing, read threads on here and a pattern will emerge, you owe them nothing, a company tried a case in court and wish they had not!

[Firedragon]

DES8- yes the letter demanding payment is from DWF

[Firedragon]

MIKE770- I’m getting a little more relived since getting these replies . Do you advise that I don’t even reply just ignore their letters?

[MIKE770]

Yes ignore look around the site

[des8]

If you are worried about your photo being published, don't be.

You will not receive a court claim if you do not pay.
Contrary to any threat they might make they have no legal basis for a claim.
Last time any company tried this (some years ago now) they lost in court.
Do not reply or acknowledge their letters. If you do they seem to think they have caught you and they redouble their efforts to get your cash!

Nothing will appear on your credit records

[ostell]

I am concerned about the store taking property belonging to the OP