Friend Shoplifted at a Store Where I Had Made a Purchase, I Drove Her Away

[1234qwer]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: OREGON

I was at a local large chain grocery store with my friend one evening recently and I bought a few items with my debit card. Once we were out of the store, she picked up two Christmas wreaths off an outside display and continued to walk with me to my car. I didn't stop her, cause I was dumbfounded and didn't want to make a scene or get her into trouble. No one stopped her and I am not sure if anyone even noticed. We then both left in my car. My concerns are:

I bought items in the store with my debit card. I didn't steal anything or even touch the stolen merchandise. Now I am worried the cops will track me down since I would easily be ID'd via my debit card. Is it likely that cops will come to my house even though I wasn't the one doing the stealing? I am scared I may look like an accomplice or accessory... PLEASE help - I am freaking out, and the worst part is my friend isn't scared at all. I did nothing wrong and now I am the only one worrying

[PandorasBox]

Unfortunately, you were with your friend. You made no effort to stop her. Yes, there is a chance that you will find cops at your door. There is a chance no one will notice. We can't predict it.

I'd avoid shopping with the "friend" from now on. She has put YOU at risk of criminal charges. Not what I would call a friend....

[1234qwer]

I was thinking of going to the store and offering to pay for what my friend took. Would that be a bad idea? If I was going to have cops coming after me for what she did, how long would that take? I went grocery shopping there with my husband the very next day and used the same debit card and nothing happened... Should I assume I am in the clear? Yes, I have spoken with her and told her the worry and grief she has caused me. She said she won't do it again... I am hoping that is true.

It looks like someone changed the title of this thread - the "I Drove Her Away" part makes it sound like I was the get-a-way car - which was NOT the case. I was simply the one who drove to the store because I was the one who needed to buy stuff - which I did purchase the items I needed, it just so happened the friend who was with me shoplifted. I was in no way a get-a-way car or involved in the shoplifting at all.

[BOR]

123, unless your friend specifically states YOU were a lookout, etc., it would be next to impossible for the police to have probable cause to charge you with any associated inchoate crime.

[1234qwer]

Thank you BOR. As soon as I got home I told my husband about it, because I was really upset about it. He said he doubts a store would launch an investigation into two missing Christmas wreaths... and if they wanted to catch her, they would've stopped her then and there and that it's very unlikely for police to come days later regarding such a trivial matter... Is that true? It was the day after Thanksgiving... I am guessing on such a busy shopping day, there were probably bigger, more substantial thefts going on than what my friend took. But I am still concerned. Should I call the store, tell them what she did and offer to pay?

[BOR]

Thank you BOR. As soon as I got home I told my husband about it, because I was really upset about it. He said he doubts a store would launch an investigation into two missing Christmas wreaths... and if they wanted to catch her, they would've stopped her then and there and that it's very unlikely for police to come days later regarding such a trivial matter... Is that true?

If they did not stop her right then, odds are they won't find out, but that is not a definite no.

Should I call the store, tell them what she did and offer to pay?

If you offer to pay for HER, they will more than likely accuse YOU of it, however it is your decision.

I personally would just forget it. IF they do find out somewhow, then stand your ground and claim you were not a party to it. Not turning in a person for shoplifting while with them, is not usually a crime by omission.

[1234qwer]

Thank you BOR. My husband says the same thing. I just feel like I should have stopped her then and there - but it caught me SO off guard and I have never dealt with this kind of thing before, so I had no idea what to do.

If they were going to "come after me" would they come to my home or work in person, send a letter, call me? What is the norm?? How much time needs to pass before I am "in the clear" (even though I didn't do anything!)????

[BOR]

If they were going to "come after me" would they come to my home or work in person, send a letter, call me? What is the norm?? How much time needs to pass before I am "in the clear" (even though I didn't do anything!)????

There is no norm, but expect some type of call first so they can see your defense before they act.

There is also no test to be in the clear. Odds are if a bystander got your plate, they would have acted on it already. This holds true to any video they may have looked over if they also caught you leaving with your LP #.

I would not even worry about it until something happens. If by chance it does, post again.


BOR (Bill of Rights)

[1234qwer]

Thanks again. I have a brand new car, with no plates, so the only way they could ID me would be if they tie my debit card purchase to her theft somehow. I will keep you posted.