Sorry for the late replies, I still don't have an internet connection at my new address and can only get on sometimes when I tether my phone, but this kills my data allowance, lol.

Thanks, I would venture to guess most stores delete their CCTV, if they have any within a few months, by the time this is escalated, there probably won't be any footage left. I did not pay for the item before I left, I was not aware it did not scan and was stopped outside as I left the premises. Thanks!

Thanks for all your help guys, I received the second letter which is pretty much the same as the first. I have responded with 'I deny any liability to the spurious claims made'.

Thank you so much for the quick replies!! Regarding the 'I deny any liability' quote, is it better to send a letter stating that rather than just simply ignoring them. Does this give me some sort of security or protection? Also, I have read on other forums/threads, they sometimes get your number and keep ringing you, how exactly do they get a hold of a telephone number if I have not provided one? Also, does anyone know if they eventually begin to write 'final demand' or any other threatening remarks on the envelope? I only ask since I don't really want my parents or siblings to find my post when I am not home and get unnecessarily frightened. Thanks for all your help so far.

Hi everyone, I'm new here, I've been lurking around for some time (it's always good to learn from all the smart people on here) but never did I think I would be in the situation where I would need help. I was shopping in Sainsburys a few weeks ago and brought about £25 worth of items, anyway, after walking through the exit, one of the guards grabbed me and said ''I know what you did''. Took me to the back room, looked at my receipt and apparently one of the items did not scan, I was shocked, in hindsight, I know I was on autopilot mode and if the item doesn't scan, the self checkout alerts me via 'unexpected item' response, so I carried on unaware. I explained that to the guard, but he wasn't having it, and looking directly over me in an intimidating manner whilst I was seated and said ''you purposely covered the barcode with your hard and waived it over the scanner!'' At this point, I wanted to headbutt him, but had to control myself. Anyway, they gave me a form, banning me and let me go. To be honest, I was glad to get out and didn't care if I was banned for life. Today, I get a letter from DWF stating: Dear Sirs Our Client: Sainsburys Supermarkets Balance Due: £150 This sum is broken down as follows: Value of goods stolen £0.00 Value of goods damaged £0.00 Value of cash stolen £0.00 Security costs £150.00 From reading this forum, I would venture to ignore them, however I have a few issues, I am moving house next week and then relocating the following week again, but this time down south, so how do I respond back to their letters if I don't know what they send, what are their timeframes in sending letters? Since I don't want or need a royal mail re-direction service. I also have a new job as a 'Immigration Officer' and was wondering if this would affect it, I have to hold a high level of security clearance. Please Advise guys! Many Thanks!!!