You're right, this whole plea thing seemed a lot more plausable when they gave me the address and said that's the only way to appeal, but I can just imagine the manager laughing it off OR drawing more attention to my case, when I just want them to forget about it! Ok, I guess I've brought this on myself and now I know what it feels like to be a criminal and be barred.... Good thing the nectar card is under my partner's name - I've got £40 on there! Really did spend a lot of money in there...it was so silly to think £4 was gonna save me some money in the long run. Attn: petty-once-in-a-while-shoplifters - NOT WORTH IT Hi silverfox, cheers for your reply! I'm so relieved to find this forum, and all the members here are so helpful and quick to respond. I guess I should take the ban as a ban then, and live it out, eh? Until the staff changes or something a few years down the line... As for my behaviour, it's a bit out of character cause i'm normally a real "goody-two-shoes" and a friend said they stole something and got away with it so I thought I'd try too. I've given myself a good solid talking to today and will never put myself in a situation where I feel that embarrassed and ashamed and letting down my partner like that again. I'm going back to "goody-two-shoes". Without Sai-no's. DWF sound like meanies. Thanks for the heads up. I'll avoid them at all costs.

Sorry, I understand now! -- that's interesting that they're not allowed to show my photo to ALL staff. Do they just show to managers and security?

I guess if I went into Sainsbury's in a few months and they called the police on me, then it'd go on my criminal record, or was that whole thing a lie?

Thanks for your reply! Sainsbury's is the only big supermarket in my area, so I'll be carting groceries a long way or spending more money if i can't go there. Do you think the appeal would end up doing more harm then good? I think they will recognise me, as they said they knew me cause I come in often, plus i have some distinguishing features that I can't change...so they'll recognise me for a while! Do you think it'll be more harm than good to appeal? Could they use it against me in court?

Just to add to this... I have written a page-long letter to the area manager, but I don't know what kind of information will be most persuading to their decision. What kind of information would influence their decision? The info in my letter includes a longer more detailed version of what I wrote above, with a very sincere apology detailing what I have learned and how I feel. Plus that I have no previous criminal record including unofficial warnings. Should I include information about my job prospects, because I'm applying for work with kids? They say that it will go on my criminal record if I set foot in any store! Thanks for your reply, and for the advice on DWF. I didn't know about them. Security and staff will definitely recognise me because I have a distinctive look =/ And they said that if I do come back that they'll put it on my criminal record which I can't risk because I'm applying for jobs requiring a CRB. My only option is to write to the area manager and hope I don't incriminate myself in doing so...

Hi, I'm a new user here. I was caught stealing 4 items worth £1 each from Sainsbury's. This is my first time shoplifting (I'm obviously not very good at it) and it will be my last as I'm completely in pieces about it, and I have learned my lesson but I won't go into all that. They issued me with a letter saying that I'm BANNED from ALL Sainsbury's stores FOR LIFE. They didn't pass my details on to the police, and I'm grateful for that. I can't begin to explain how debilitating this is for me. I know I caused it myself, but I shop for my partner who can't lift. I also have anxiety that's related to blood sugar issues and makes it hard for me to leave the house - I sometimes get caught out and I have to dip in somewhere immediately. I'm already hugely anxious about how this ban will affect me and I feel like I've let down my partner. I know I caused this on myself but I just can't face a lifetime ban for this stupid mistake. I was told I can appeal to the area manager for a lift on the ban. MY QUESTIONS ARE 1 - what should I include in the letter of appeal? What kind of tone should I take? Should I tell them my situation with my partner? 2 - if I admit to shoplifting in writing, will that make my case even worse? I already admitted in the store, so maybe this won't be an issue. 3 - Has anyone else had success lifting a ban like this before? Any advice on this much appreciated. I'm really ashamed and won't be shoplifting ever again.