Banned from department store forever for shoplifting - need advice please!

[TheKnownUnknown]

Dear all,

I am 19 years old and was apprehended by security officials whilst leaving this department store a day ago.

I know shoplifting is wrong, this is my first offence, and I want to keep it that way.

 

They took me into a side room when they told me that this was due to shoplifting a month ago.

One security guard said he remembered my face.

 

 

When I asked if I could be shown the tape they said only the police could access that,

and if I didn’t comply the police would be called and they would see/would be able to show me the tape.

 

They asked me my details (name, DOB, address), which I gave them,

and also to empty the contents of my pocket/bag.

I showed them what was in my bag and my pockets.

 

 

They saw my ID via my buspass as I had no other ID with me and took photos of it and of me.

I told them I am ill, with epileptic fits and some forgetfulness which is true.

 

I paid via bank transfer but DIDN’T admit to the crime

– I said I couldn’t recall being in the store at the time.

 

 

After paying I was given a letter saying I was banned from the store

and that my details would be passed onto the police to say the matter has been resolved.

 

I want to know if you guys think I did the right thing by complying.

Do you think they were lying about having it on tape?

Also they said the matter wouldn’t be on a criminal record or anything,

so I assume I didn’t this won’t appear on any background checks even extended ones?

Thank you for your replies!!!

[citizenB]

Looks to me as though you have been well and truly scammed !

[dx100uk]

who did you pay?

name the store too

[TheKnownUnknown]

Don't wish to name the store in case they or someone I know sees this.

The head security guy gave me a sort code and account number to transfer to because I didn't have my card/money with me.

[dx100uk]

sorry you need to name them

you should never had paid anyone anything

they do not have the power to fine you.

[renegadeimp]

YOU should get the police on this asap. You might get a slap on the wrist, but them giving you a bank accoutn and sort code sounds very wrong. It could very well be the security guards own bank account.

[Old Cogger]

go to the Police and report this incident - suspicion now creeps in!

[renegadeimp]

And think about how many times this has happened, where hes blackmailed people into paying into that suspicious account, or he will call the police.

[TheKnownUnknown]

It didn't seem dodgy in the payment sense. There were two guards (one male, one female) and then a third came in with the head of security on the phone. The head of security gave me the bank details to transfer to.

 

If I had my card with me I would have had to pay with that.

 

Also I accidentally made the payment twice. Later, they did call me and say that I did and they'd refund me the extra payment on Monday (18/04/16)

[silverfox1961]

Hi and welcome.

How much did you pay?

if you need to keep this confidential, you can send a private message to any member of the site team.

 

My immediate instinct is to do a chargeback with your bank as this payment was made under duress and with no CCTV proof supplied that you are the same person they think you are irrespective of whether you have shoplifted.

You have a right to the images and them saying only the police have access to them is a lie,

 

This is very dubious practice and one I would like to take up with the store in question, especially if it is a large company.

[dx100uk]

was the payment paying for the goods you supposedly stole?

and not a 'fixed fee' because you did it

[TheKnownUnknown]

Yes the price was for the goods supposedly taken and not any other 'fixed fee'

[TheKnownUnknown]

The price paid was £190.00.

If I do a charge back, surely they'll pursue me as they know where I live and which institution I am enrolled in?

I was thinking perhaps they didn't wish to spend the man hours to find and pinpoint the images, and would only do so if the police came and they had to show proof?

[Old Cogger]

The price paid was £190.00.

If I do a charge back, surely they'll pursue me as they know where I live and which institution I am enrolled in?

I was thinking perhaps they didn't wish to spend the man hours to find and pinpoint the images, and would only do so if the police came and they had to show proof?

 

well we now know what the reason for., best you paid for the items so leave it at that! and not untoward!

 

you do state supposedly taken surely ACTUALLY taken?

[king12345]

If you had taken goods for £190 and paid £190 then justice is done imo.

Although in the wrong way but the matter of the fact is that you paid what was due

[Sparks_]

Where is the proof that she/he has taken these goods? The OP says they can not remember being in the store at that time, plus what security guard can remember a face a month on?

[king12345]

Where is the proof that she/he has taken these goods? The OP says they can not remember being in the store at that time, plus what security guard can remember a face a month on?

 

That's why I said "if"...

Should the opposite be true, by all means get a chargeback and put them to strict proof that you stole from the store.

Said that, wouldn't you remember taking £190 of goods without paying?

And even if you didn't remember, did you find these items at home?

[Old Cogger]

very vague be honest I k now security people who can remember people years later, they use to borrow my office to interview people, and also most of those security officers were ex CID etc male/female

[silverfox1961]

Having seen the newer updates I would make this observation.

 

If the amounts stolen were to the value of £190 (or thereabouts) and it WAS the OP that stole the items (He/she has admitted shoplifting) and has now paid for the amounts stolen which may include an admin fee (actual costs) then that should be the end of the matter.

 

I am still concerned in the way it was done as no proof was supplied to the OP that showed they were the person that stole the items on that particular day however if it all tallies up then the OP has no comeback.

 

I would put this behind you, make sure that they give you back the second amount accidentally taken then move on to a crime free life. Much better for you in the long run.

[TheKnownUnknown]

Thank you all for your replies.

 

The advice has been noted and will be actioned upon.