Accused of shoplifting and plo e undercaution interveiw

[Mandis_m]

While I was shopping at TK Maxx today, I was expecting a work email and was having a gym session booked. I was carrying a net see-through bag. I was looking for a gift for my gym instructor and was running late. I picked couple of items (worth 36 pound). I got an important work email and tried to respond before 5 pm. I was anxious, and while walking, I put items in my see-through bag, and because I needed to focus and made a call (due to bad reception) at the border of the shop, I was caught attempting to shoplift! I was on my phone typing, the email. I know how it looks and CCTV has recorded it all. The police were called, and I told them the story. As obvious, they did not believe it and arranged for a police interview. I am highly educated and am a university professor at a very prestigious university in London and did not have any intention of shoplifting. I know all the shops in the area and did not have any history of any offence. I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and I am not sure if the police are going to believe me. I am in a fragile marital stage, which I can't tell my husband at any cost. I have panicked and don't know what to do.

[echat11]

Hi MANDIS_M

Welcome to LB

The police as a rule wouldn't attend a store for the amount of £36. There seems to be a lot going on during your shop. I'm surprised they arranged a police interview and have the resources to pursue such a low value theft, although 'nothing was taken'. If you feel you can't cope, let your employers know and consult your GP, who can help you manage the current 'crisis'. If indeed there is an 'Interview' then you are best having a solicitor present. I hope you things improve for you.

[PallasAthena]

This is unusual as I've not heard of police attending for such a relatively small amount. Had you actually left the shop premises, gone out through the door into the street?

Were the goods taken from.you and given back to TKM? Were they goods that TKM could put back on display and sell?

Did the police arrest you?

At this stage not much you can do other than wait to hear from the police what they are going to do next. As advised above, if invited for interview take a solicitor to represent you.

You might get letters from a so-called civil recovery company working for TKM saying you must pay to cover TKM's internal administration costs in dealing with the matter. You do not have to pay these. If you get one come back here for advice.

[Mandis_m]

echat11 thank you so much for your answer. no one here knows me and here is the place which I can be myself and open up freely. That was EXACTLY what happened. I entered the shop at 16:49 and left the shop at 17. 2 Police officers were already there!!! This tk maxx store is in our local shopping centre. I am a regular eithout ANY incident with any retailer before. I am very very very scared, angry and depressed. I couldn't sleep and due a big project, I can't take even an hour if leave from university.

[Mandis_m]

PallasAthena thank you so much for your reply. I stepped only half a meter off the shop while there was bad mobile reception to answer a very important work email before 5 pm on Friday. The shop is located in a local shopping centre which I have been a regular for past 6 yeras and many people know me. There was not a single even loud voice from me!! The goods are in original packaging and resellable as I was trying to steal anything!! The police did not arrest me as I explained all the details in a very calm way but they did not believe me and took my email address and phobe as my husband shouldn't sniff a thing and then they let me go.

[PallasAthena]

Thanks, that makes it clearer how the police got involved. They were already in the TK Maxx store on another matter when TKM staff stopped you so, presumably, they took the opportunity of getting the police involved in your case as the police were there on the spot.

From your point of view that's an unfortunate coincidence as normally the police would not attend for an amount this small and would not have got involved.

However that's what's happened so now you can only wait and see what the police say when they get back to you. Come back and let us know when you hear from them. I doubt the police will take further action (as you have been advised on the other advice site where you have posted about this) although it cannot be absolutely ruled out.

In your thread title you say "and plo e undercaution interveiw". What does that mean? They didn't arrest you so who mentioned "under caution" interviews?

[echat11]

Why don't you write a letter of complaint to TK Maxx, explain what happened (as you have here), that it was your intention to pay, that you got distracted with work etc (work email), that security / police made an error of judgement, that the matter has caused to stress and anxiety etc. Explain what you do for a living. Apologise for being 'distracted' when you should have 'concentrated' on shopping.
Your not the first person to get 'distracted' and you won't be the last person.

[Mandis_m]

PallasAthena once again, thank you for taking your time and replying back to me. Due to the high anexity, I wrote the thread title wrongly and don't know how to edit it now! My whole life has been turned upside down as I am on the verge of mental breakdown. I am still waiting for the police to contact me and I hope that I'm fortunate enough if they decide not to pursue the matter further. I'll definately come back and keep you posted

[des8]

If the police do contact you and ask you to attend for a chat (i.e. interview) do not attend without a solicitor.
If you want you can ask for the duty solicitor to accompany you. This is free and your right.
In this instance do not regard them as your friend.

[Mandis_m]

des8 Thank you for the advice. I'll do. I've already contacted a law firm and asked for their advice. Based on my research, legal advice during a police interview is free. I'll be working on a sensitive NHS project and I'm so worried that what would happen if I was given any caution or fine which affects my dsb check.

[Mandis_m]

des8 PallasAthena There is no sign of the police at arrange the interview. Is there any slim chance of them not esclating my case and the sergent is convinced?

[PallasAthena]

I think it unlikely they will take it further but when they have made a decision they should contact you to let you know. The incident was only 4 days ago (and 2 of those were a weekend) so I wouldn't expect you to have heard yet.

I do understand that this the the major thing in your life at the moment but to the police it's a minor crime incident that's way down their list of priorities so don't expect an instant response from them.

Sorry but I have no idea how long you might have to wait. The solicitor you have consulted will.have a better idea of local police practice.

[echat11]

Maybe the police has more important priorities and they've put your 'interview under caution' on the 'back burner' for the foreseeable future.

[des8]

[QUOTE=Mandis_m;n1698833] des8 Based on my research, legal advice during a police interview is free.

I believe that is so only if the firm take part of the Legal Aid Scheme.
IMO you are best obtaining the services of a solicitor who is part of the Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme (https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/re...tation-scheme/)

Perhaps the firm you have consulted are

[Mandis_m]

PallasAthena des8 echat11 I live in a relatively small town which the crime rate is not high. I am arranging a conference in US and basically this incident could ruin my whole career if I get police caution. After losing my mum 4 years ago, this incident has been wearing me down.