caught in primark

[esha]

i was caught in shoplifting at primark and they took my id and everything and scared me that they are calling the cops

 

 

fortunately police did not turn up and they gave me a letter stating that you will have to pay a fine

 

 

but if you do not receive a letter in 3 days then call on the number given in the letter and tell them what you have done etc.

 

i am scared like hell that how much would they charge me etc?

 

can you please help me

[BazzaS]

There are many, many similar threads on CAG.

 

Do a search on primark, such as

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/search.php?searchid=8254099

 

It will show Primark use RLP. Searching for RLP:

https://cse.google.co.uk/cse?cx=partner-pub-0964707606882478:652l7hswbgv&ie=UTF-8&q=RLP&sa=Search+CAG#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=RLP

 

Browse those threads, and get an idea what to expect.

Post back with your summary and any questions.

 

(Bottom line : don't contact RLP or pay them. The police MIGHT still become involved, but it is unlikely. The police are the correct people to decide if they want to take action, not RLP).

[dx100uk]

I really hope they didn't use the word FINE...

 

me thinks you are over thinking what they said..

 

and didn't ever use that word

but tried to frighten the bejesus out of you to not do it again , as they should.

 

dx

[Sidewinder]

Security may well use the word 'fine' verbally but if that word were to be used in writing on any official document then the company could find themselves in trouble. What DX is saying is that only a Criminal Court or duly authorised body can issue 'fines' or 'penalties'. Anybody pretending that they have a lawful authority when they do not, could well be guilty of a criminal offence

 

What the guard in Primark was talking about is a private company which will attempt to force you to pay 'security' costs relating to your wrongdoing. This will be a fixed amount based on the value of goods stolen, however you should not pay them a penny. Nothing will happen except for a string of letters, each one ramping up the pressure to try and frighten you into paying - typically well over £100 towards the costs of detection, detaining you, processing you and a contribution towards their security equipment! So far as liability is concerned, there is none - the option was there for Police involvement and they chose not to take that option. Any involvement by Primark - or the Police - is now over, but RLP will try to tell you different. Don't be frightened into paying up, simply ignore every letter - even when they threaten that their client will take County Court action, as this will not happen. The last time that RLP persuaded one of their clients to take a shoplifter to Court to recover the charge, they lost. Badly. They have not tried to do this since so rely on fear and ignorance.

 

Oh - and do not EVER try shoplifting again. From anywhere. You may not be so lucky next time and might find yourself justifiably with a criminal record