M&S shoplifting

[Jambutty22]

I was caught shoplifting in M&S last week (something I am ashamed of) the goods totalled £107 and I have now received a letter from DWF with a fine for £125. Do I have to pay this? The police weren’t called and I have been given a lifetime ban. Is there any way of overturning the ban? Also if they got the goods back and let me leave without phoning the police will they still have reported it to them?

I am so anxious about it all!

[des8]

First up that is not a fine that you have received from DWF.
Only the courts issue fines in the UK

What you have is a speculative invoice for imagined losses, which you may ignore.,
You will receive reminders and threatening letters, but these too can be ignored.

The police were not involved, and very unlikely that they will be, so you can relax.

Unlikely the ban will be lifted.
If you break the ban and are recognised in M&S . as long as you are not breaking the law, all they can do is ask you to leave.
If you do not leave when requested, they may use sufficient force to eject you.
I nderstand that some M&S stores may be equipped with facial recognition equipment

[Jambutty22]

Thank you for your reply. I was putting it behind me until I got the DWF letter. A criminal record would cost me my job and likely my marriage so I have most definitely learnt my lesson.

I don’t know why I did it but the thought of never shopping or going to M&S again has upset me as I always went. If I left it a few months do you think I would still be recognised?

[des8]

regarding revisiting M&S all you can do is, as you suggest, leave it for a few months and see what happens if you re-enter.
Try not to look worried or furtive when you go back, and perhaps use a different store to start with.

There is no possibility of a criminal conviction unless you are taken to magistrates court and that is so unlikely it is not even worth contemplating.
If the police were ever informed for such a minor offence the outcome would most likely be community resolution

[Jambutty22]

Thank you so much that is really helpful to know.