Thanks for your answer, I'm a bit relieved. Thank you for your answer as well! Indeed, I forgot to mention this (important) detail: I got apprehended once I had stepped out of the store. So in the event that the police would want to go further, they'd have to check the CCTV footage and then contact me in order to identify me somehow. You are right, I assume that, given the small amount of money involved and the fact that this is my first time, they probably won't go any further... We'll see... I'll update this topic if I get contacted.

Yes, I had a receipt (but I threw it away). Said like this it sounds a bit stupid to worry, for sure . It's more like I tried to steal stuff, they stopped me, called the police (which didn't come) and I eventually paid the items and left. I guess paying for the items doesn't change anything to the theft attempt, it's still a crime, isn't it?

Thanks a lot for your answer! I forgot to mention that the stolen goods were worth ~£20. Ok, so I guess I just have to wait and see if they ever try to reach me. It happened few days ago, and the store security never mentioned a fine, they just said the "police will do whatever they have to do now". I've read a bit on the forum about RLP and DWF, so I'll probably just ignore their letters if I receive any.

Hi all, First message on this forum, I thank you all for the answers you provide to other people in various topics, it already helped me a lot. Long story short, I was caught for shoplifting at a Sainbury's. I complied, store security took my name & address and issued me a banning letter. So far so good. They also called the police, they provided them with my name, DoB, address and a physical description. We waited for them for about 20 min and the police station eventually called back to say that they had more important stuff to deal with at the moment so that no police officer would show up and that they would deal with the matter later on. The store security thus let me leave, after I had paid for the items I attempted to steal. Now here is my question: since no police officer show up, what are the possible outcomes of this ? Can I still get a Fixed Penalty Notice afterwards? Is there any chance I will be facing charge? Or I don't have anything to worry about?