Hello. I have done something really really stupid. I don't know why I did it, no excuse at all and I got caught. I attempted to steal random items from Tesco today (didn't even need them - crazy behaviour) and they stopped me leaving the store and asked did I know why I had been stopped. I said yes and they took me to the back room (read a few similar stories on here). My theft was intentional I knew I was doing it and I don't know if I almost wanted to get caught (not in a great place emotionally right now but as I say it is no excuse). I have never done anything like this before but I was walking around and blatantly put 5 items in my bag not in my basket that I was also carrying (total value of £37). The security lady who monitored the CCTV in the back room said she had seen me and had followed me on CCTV from the makeup aisle (apparently very common for thieves to target). They looked through my bag were satisfied that the items I gave them and admitted to shoplifting were what she had seen me take.... They didn't phone the police but said to expect a letter from DWF with a demand for payment. I actually was very grateful to them - was shaking and crying when I got to my car. I felt they had been kind and "let me off lightly" - was in there for about 20 minutes. They said I would be banned from Tesco for a year. Kept my clubcard and told me I would have to reapply if I decided I wanted to in a year's time. They also took my driving licence and took some details from there and the security guard from the store entrance took a photo of me on his phone. I am assuming they will circulate that to all local stores to ensure I don't go in or am flagged as a shoplifter (cannot believe I am even typing this..)? Having read threads about these letters and Tesco not getting anything from it, I am now wondering if Tesco will get any of the money I get "fined" from DWF. To be clear, I do feel I should pay as I did commit the crime. They have CCTV evidence of me commiting the crime and quite simply I shouldn't have done it. First and last time that will happen I can tell you.... But the threads on here about RLP all say ignore letters as they are not legal. I am not sure what I am asking really - I feel I should pay as I was totally at fault but equally if these companies are not ethical (says me.... the irony hey) then should I pay or ignore? Also am I right in that because the police were not called this is not a criminal matter (no criminal record)? Thank you.