Shoplifted asda but paid for goods, over £200

[Chaosofthemind]

Hi all,

please could I have some advice as I'm absolutely terrified.

 

I shopped at asda, competing 3x shops in one for my parents and neighbours and myself.

I paid for my shopping and went to walk out, without paying for the other shopping.

 

I was stopped and escorted to a back room.

I apologised and said I had forgotten, they obviously didn't believe me.

I asked if I could pay for the shopping and they agreed.

 

I had to give my name, address, vehicle reg and they took my photo.

I was banned from the store for 3 years.

I was escorted to pay for the shopping which was £350.

Security kept a copy of the receipt.

 

I am terrified they will go to the police.

I can't sleep and feel like I may do something stupid as I can't live with the level of fear that police may show up on my doorstep.

I'm beyond terrified 

 

I dont have any criminal record,

I've never even got a parking fine.

 

Any advice really appreciated.

 

Thank you.

[BankFodder]

Firstly, it makes it easier for people if you don't post your story in a solid block of text. It makes it much easier to follow if you present your story in a properly spaced and punctuated form.

Thanks.

In terms of your problem, – don't worry. It sounds as if it's all done and dusted and the police won't be involved. You paid for the goods – you've been banned – nothing else will happen. There is a slight possibility that they might forward your details to one of the loss prevention bounty hunting companies which will then contact you and say that you have to pay some extra money or else they will see you in the civil courts.

If you get a letter like that then let us know. But by and large, you should ignore it. I think you will find that this is the end of the matter.

The police haven't been involved here. You have no criminal record. I'm sure it has been a shock to you – and I'm afraid that this is something that you will have to get over. It will probably help you if you can talk to people who are close to you and who you trust.

I expect that in a few days time you will feel very much calmer.

Please don't hesitate to come back here if you need to discuss things or if you hear anything else.

[Chaosofthemind]

Thank you very much and apologies for incorrect format, I'm in such a state of panic I didn't even re read it.

 

I appreciate your post, do you believe that they won't have called the police even though in their eyes I tried to steal £350 of groceries (no alcohol just cat litter, food and normal food)? I paid for it all before leaving. Could I call and ask them this to try to put my mind at rest? I have a diagnosed anxiety condition and PTSD so this is why I am so terrified.

 

Do you know how long this could be hanging over me? Is there a set time before I would have heard from the police I.e. 1 month etc, after which time I definitely won't have them at my door?

 

Thank you again for your comment.

Edited May 10, 2020 by Chaosofthemind

[BankFodder]

I'm quite sure the police have been called or else you would have heard about it by now.

Now I don't think you should call them or have any further contact. Put it behind you – but try to make a mental note about paying for your goods properly in future.

As I have said, I think you need to talk to people about it and give yourself some time to calm down – which I'm sure will happen. If you feel very bad about it then go see your doctor.

[Chaosofthemind]

Thank you. Yes, I've got an outreach appointment next Tues as my mental health is not good. 

 

Sorry, just one question -

 

Do you know how long this could be hanging over me?

Is there a set time before I would have heard from the police I.e. 1 month etc,

after which time I definitely won't have them at my door?

 

Thank you.

[dx100uk]

they don't involve the police at all in these cases.

stop worrying.

 

the only time is serial shoplifters.

 

forget about it

go get on with your life

and keep up the good liaison with outreach, they are are wonder bunch of people... 

 

now.. you might get scary letters from a bunch of fleecers called RLP or possibly DWF.

claiming some magical sums for 'civil recourse' 

 

be very aware and DO NOT fall for it...

they talk an absolute load of twaddle in their letters as they are ambulance chasers that sc@m people out of money 

 

if you get one 

comeback here ok?

 

we are well vested in dealing with them..

 

dx

 

[Chaosofthemind]

Thank you very much. Appreciate your reply very much.

[dx100uk]

love the username...

[dx100uk]

On 19/09/2019 at 11:37, ericsbrother said:

This event is now done and dusted so as you have already contact with mental health services talk the matter over with them.

It is common for people to do things that risk getting caught as they believe they need to be punished, not for the shoplifting per se but for being them and thus worthless etc.

 

try and get someone to talk through your self esteem problems, you dont need punishing for being ill

 

this from your last thread is worthy...

 

dx

[Chaosofthemind]

Thanks again.