Retail Loss prevention problems

[Troubadouroli]

Im currently dealing with a claim by RLP
I was 'caught shoplifting' and allegedly took something with a value of £57

They've sent me a letter requesting a fine of £157
I've sent them an email saying their claim is unlawful and requesting they make known any evidence against me as sugested in a post I read on this forum.
I am of no fixed address, Im a traveller, a nomad if you will.
I'm english but in this country rarely, and though they have my parents address, I would say, i'm difficult to find by any standards.
So here are my options,
1: pay the fine and its over and done with (its clearly extortionate)
2: Keep up correspondence with them
3: Ignore it and hope it goes away ( this would always usually be my course of action but I worry since its my home country)

Police where not called, so, a few questions, can this become criminal? Can this effect travel visas if i ignore it? Could ignoring it result in being forced to court and ending up with thousands in costs? What action should I take?

Sorry if this post upsets anyone, but boots don't pay their taxes, so....

[Kati]

Re: Retail Loss prevention problems

Hi to LB xx

Our advice when 'dealing' with rlp is to IGNORE ... they have no legal standing to bring a court case (that would have to be done by the shop in question, but they've basically washed their hands of it).
[MENTION=39710]des8[/MENTION] and [MENTION=2]Celestine[/MENTION] will both probably advise too xx

[Amethyst]

Re: Retail Loss prevention problems

Lol, I don't think your post wouldn't upset anyone barring the last sentence...

Police where not called, so, a few questions, can this become criminal? Can this effect travel visas if i ignore it? Could ignoring it result in being forced to court and ending up with thousands in costs? What action should I take?

No, No and mmmm realistically no, but theoretically the company ( BOOTS ) could take you to court for losses BUT have a nosey at this judgment - > http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...gment-09-05-12

[des8]

Re: Retail Loss prevention problems

Hi there and welcome.

Whilst we do not condone shoplifting, neither do we condone RP's business methods!

This will not become a criminal matter.
It will not affect visas.
It will not end up in court.
The last time RLP tried court (k/a the Oxford case) they were severely spanked by the judge altho' the claim was against a couple who admitted shop lifting.

RLP will send a number of begging letters, some written in legalese and using red ink.
They may even refer it to a debt collector.
Eventually they will say they are prepared to accept a lower amount "to settle the case"

Advice is to IGNORE, IGNORE and IGNORE some more

Having already written to them, they may assume this means you are weakening and encourage them to relieve you of your money.
Unfortunately sufficient numbers crumble under their onslaught to make it a viable business

[nemesis45]

Re: Retail Loss prevention problems

RLP have no authority to issue " Fines" the letter just amounts to a " speculative " invoice.

nem

[Kati]

Re: Retail Loss prevention problems

Couldn't your parents send back any rlp letters as "not at this address" too?? :noidea:

[EXC]

Re: Retail Loss prevention problems

Could ignoring it result in being forced to court and ending up with thousands in costs?

The Court Service have confirmed to us that they have no records of Retail Loss Prevetion taking anyone to court http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...228#post606228

[Troubadouroli]

Re: Retail Loss prevention problems

I've already sent the first letter back saying 'not at this address'
The email I sent them, im sure won't suggest weakness, but based on advice here, they'll never hear from me again.

Thanks for being helpful

[Amethyst]

Re: Retail Loss prevention problems

You'll probably have a further 5/6 letters from RLP and a couple from a DCA .. but that should be it, so long as you don't respond further.