Got caught stealing at boots and sent to custody police

[Vauban]

I think the only thing the OP can do is to be honest with the Entry Clearance Officer when they seek re-entry into the UK. Or perhaps try to speak to UKBA about what is likely to happen, so they can make preparations accordingly.

 

To be honest, if you steal something of that value whilst on a student visa (and thus a guest in this country) then there have to be consequences for that criminal action. Much better - in my view - to see the authorities doing due process than to have the likes of RLP dishing out their saloon bar justice.

[Vauban]

I took it to mean that using RLP is wrong.

 

That "Civil Recovery" (in and of itself) isn't wrong.

The retailer can call the police and there is the criminal justice system (including the use of cautions)

That there is the civil justice system, and if the retailer incurs losses they can go to court, and recover those.

 

But that RLP isn't the retailer, and doesn't exist just to recover only the retailers actual loss, but takes its "cut", that it sometimes asks for monies it isn't entitled to (as in the Oxford case)

 

That is exactly what I meant.

 

I find RLP's practices as reported on here deeply disturbing - and frankly (as a non-lawyer) am astonished they are legal. It is deeply objectionable; I'm not sure how it differs from extortion.

 

But - and this isnt meant as castigation of the OP especially - I have no issue with your visa being rescinded, I'm afraid. There doesn't appear, from what you post, to be any mitigating circumstances around your theft (nor do you seem especially apologetic for it). Whether that will happen I can't advise, but I think you have little option but to come clean with UKBA. If you're lucky they may judge that a caution is insufficient to nullify your visa. But I wouldn't bet on it.

[Vauban]

The UK Council for International Student Affairs [http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/] say the following on their website:

 

"Criminal convictions, driving offences

 

Being convicted of a criminal offence in the UK may have serious consequences for your current immigration position. Your current permission to stay can also be curtailed in some circumstances.

 

You will also need to declare any criminal convictions on any future immigration application. Applications for entry clearance or further leave to remain in the UK can be refused on the basis of a person's criminal history.

 

Certain punishments other than a prison sentence, such as fines, police cautions and being disqualified from driving, count as non custodial sentences for immigration purposes, and can also be treated very seriously.

 

If you are in trouble with the police, we recommend that you seek legal advice from an immigration specialist, as well as from a criminal law solicitor, as soon as possible. It is important to establish what the consequences may be for your immigration status if, for example, you are convicted of an offence or accept a caution. If you are about to make an application to extend your immigration permission, or if you have already made an application and you are waiting for a decision, seek advice. Your International Student Adviser may be able to advise you or help you to access more specialist advice."

 

So depending on if you need to re-enter the UK during your studies (when your immigration status might potentially be reviewed), you might also seek out some professional legal advice (or the Citizens Advice Bureau) to see what your options are.