I will look into those suggestions, thank you. No, i was not offered anybody aged 18 when I was detained, however i was with my friend, who is over 18, if that helps.

No silverfox, we didn't sign a thing in primark. we got handed a sheet with information about RLP and our wrong doing but that's it. I don't know if primark made the decision to contact my parents, but because I had to prove my address they said if they phoned home they wouldn't disclose any information. I'm not sure what to do and whether I should get a lawyer involved.

Hi Thank you silverfox, i will look into those links to pursue this. I hope RLP can get shut down! I think they are unfair. I appreciate the help Curado

thank you silverfox and ericsbrother. And to answer your question, silverfox, the letter was addressed to "parent / guardian of (my name)" now i understand that this joint liability thing is just a lie, thank you for the clarification. I will contact you, silverfox. Thank you very much Curado

Hi everybody Thank you all for the help, it has been very reassuring. The full story is that a few months ago my friend and I have been caught shoplifting in a primark store, as soon as we tried to leave the shop a security guard stopped us and took us to the back room where we returned all the stolen goods and gave them our name and address and told we'd be getting a fine. I've gotten a few letters asking for a sum of money and telling me how I am liable for my actions, but recently I have gotten a letter ADDRESSED TO MY PARENTS telling them about the situation and asking for the money. On the same letter, however, it says how they can not contact my parents as it is in breach of the DPA 1998. Can somebody suggest what to do? Also, all of my letters have mentioned a joint liability where me and my friend can pay the amount of money together, however none of my friend's letters have mentioned this. Any further help would be appreciated Thank you Curado

Hello I have been caught shoplifting in Primark around a month ago. i have received a letter a few weeks ago and one in the past few days from RLP, the recent one saying how they may contact my parents from now on as they don't know if i am able to understand the implications of these letters (as i am under 18). Will RLP actually contact my parents? I was caught shoplifting with a friend, who is over 18, and my friend's letter doesn't include anything about parents or such. People have said not to pay so I don't think I will pay, but what could happen if I don't? I am very worried Thanks