Okay great, however if I do pay the invoice, does that mean they will stop contacting me? I don't think I will, but I am just curious as the security guards stated failure to pay the invoice will lead to the bailiffs being involved; is that true?

How often would they send each letter? (Just so i can be prepared) Also, do i reply with anything or just trash them? Thanks for the info! it was really reliable.

No it wasnt haha The security guards were quite intimating and made me feel as if i had committed a far more worse crime! However now i feel more at ease knowing I don't need to pay a ridiculously high fine. I am sure to be expecting a letter soon, and yes my parents are supportive but a topic like this is embarrassing to discuss and honestly, im not sure if i want to say it. Unfortunately i think i may have to as I dont think i'll be able to hide the letters if multiple ones keep arriving as it will rise suspicion. Thanks for your help, it means a lot! I have definitely learned my lesson!!

Hi, today I did a very silly thing a took 4 tops from primark which totaled to £15.00 I had the money to pay however the line was long so I put them in my bag and walked out. The security guard caught me and took me to the detention room. Here they took my details such as my name, address and date of birth. As i am 17, they explained that I will be receiving a letter soon which will have a fine on it maybe triple the amount of the items or even more and that i am banned from the shopping centre. I am not sure if any police were involved as only the main security guards were there. They also took a picture of me for the CCTV camera and said that if i enter the shopping centre they will be able to detect my face. I will be allowed back in the shopping centre in 3 months time. I am confused and scared as I havent told my parents and dont want the fine to be large and then failure to pay the fine will result in a criminal record. The security guards stated that if i do not pay, they can contact me (come to my house) and arrest me or take away all my items and result in a criminal record and could possibly lead to courts being involved. I am aware that theft is wrong and will never do this again, but i am also confused and dont know whether to pay or not. Please reply, thank you.