Greetings - help please

[waldo-2308]

Good evening
i will try and make this very clear and easy to understand.

I received a phone call today from a police force in the Uk asking me in for a voluntary interview on the charges of fraud and theft.

I went to a shop on the (made up dates) 10th August and purchased some goods, these goods were purchased on a self check out. I am accused that I only paid for 3 of the 4 items. (If this is the case it’s an honest mistake)

I returned to the same shop 5 days later to return some other items I have purchased from the shop (frequently shop there).
they are accusing me of committing fraud by returning the items that I didn’t pay for earlier in the week.

Even if I did commit the above, it was a complete accident. There’s no guarantee that the items that I returned on the return visit were the same items I’m accused of not having paid for initially.

please help

[waldo-2308]

I should add, I purchase a lot of stuff from the shop, frequently I purchase and return items. (They sell home stuff etc. And buying a new house.)

[MIKE770]

acquire purchase receipts?

[echat11]

Hi WALDO-2308

Has the police disclosed the value of the returned items? They would have reconciled all your transactions with their CCTV system.

Regardless of the events that has occurred, the situation needs to be managed - quite a bit of information here (link posted for article) -

https://www.jdspicer.co.uk/site/our-...ice-interview/

[waldo-2308]

No they haven’t stated how much the returned items are?

I asked on the phone when they rang.

[des8]

Whatever you do, do NOT go to that police interview WITHOUT a solicitor.

You should be able to find a solicitor who will attend with you under legal aid, but if not and you cannot afford your own, request the duty solicitor attend with you.
This is free and is your right.
He will guide you, so you do not incriminate yourself.
In this instance the police are not your friends

[waldo-2308]

Ok cool.

it’s a genuine mistake. I’ve bought plenty of items and needed to return some.

im obviously worried like mad.

ive acquired a solicitor.

[echat11]

Whatever you do, do NOT go to that police interview WITHOUT a solicitor.

You should be able to find a solicitor who will attend with you under legal aid, but if not and you cannot afford your own, request the duty solicitor attend with you.
This is free and is your right.
He will guide you, so you do not incriminate yourself.
In this instance the police are not your friends

Sound advice (situation needs to be managed). It might be an idea to go to your card issuer / bank get hold of statements, do some preparation, so you can help explain things so you don't have to think on your feet.

[waldo-2308]

What do you mean situation needs to be managed?

[echat11]

What do you mean situation needs to be managed?

Get a solicitor, the article suggests that's a good idea.

[waldo-2308]

I’ve downloaded my bank statements already.

as said, I MAY have genuinely not scanned an item when going through self checkouts.

Then I returned some items, obviously some items COULD have been the ones I didn’t pay for. (But I would’ve thought I had paid for them but couldn’t find the receipt.)

[echat11]

I’ve downloaded my bank statements already.

as said, I MAY have genuinely not scanned an item when going through self checkouts.

Then I returned some items, obviously some items COULD have been the ones I didn’t pay for. (But I would’ve thought I had paid for them but couldn’t find the receipt.)

These things happen when your in a rush, especially in the current environment COVID etc.

[waldo-2308]

I’ve also had a lot of things on my mind, I’ve got a doctor certificate ready to show (as been on anti depressants)

im compiling evidence

[echat11]

I’ve also had a lot of things on my mind, I’ve got a doctor certificate ready to show (as been on anti depressants)

im compiling evidence

That's great, that's what you need to do. Try not to worry, update the thread.

[waldo-2308]

Hard not too worry….I’m so scared