Approached by Loss Prevention After Abandoning Shoplifting Attempt

[pavonismons]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Oregon

I intended to shoplift a small amount of stuff ($20) from a Target near me but chickened out and placed the stuff back when I was walking around the store. When I went to check out and buy food, LPO approached me and followed me out to my car, harassing me all the while. I did not take anything but they probably do have me attempting to conceal stuff on camera. They said they would get the car's license plate and call the police - and I used a debit card. What can I do? It's my word versus theirs that I put it back.

[Security Consultant]

What they did was their way of letting you know they saw what you did. If they had reasonable or probable cause they would have stopped you. You should stay out of that store as I'm sure they have your picture and have saved the video.

[pavonismons]

Sure, but do can they do anything to me? They have my name from my debit card and license plates from the car I was driving. They stopped me and insisted I give it up, but I kept saying I didn't do anything - because I didn't! I'm nervous because I almost did (and was planning on it).

[PandorasBox]

Yes....they can still send you a Civil Demand letter for the time wasted on trailing you. Yes, they can forward the evidence to police who will then send it to the Prosecutor to decide what, if any, charges to press.

[pavonismons]

Should I be on the lookout for a letter then? I think I made them mad by insisting that I didn't steal repeatedly (because I never actually did) so they might do something to me. Was it a stop when they asked me to 'give it back' after I was followed out of the store? What happens if I refuse a stop? I did not see any police when I left the parking lot.

[PandorasBox]

I would watch for a letter from the store/it's lawyers.

"Give it back" - yes, that was a stop. If you refuse a stop, then they will do their best to detain you AND call the police. Their report would reflect you were un-cooperative (not good in the eyes of prosecutor and judge).

[pavonismons]

Ok, thanks for the information! What kind of timeline am I looking at? Obviously I want to get this taken care of as quickly as possible and begin paying/retribution, etc. It makes me pretty nervous because I'm playing a waiting game and have no idea when to respond. I'll be moving in a few months, don't live in the state that my debit card has an address for, and don't want to evade any potential consequences - it strikes me as a bad idea.

[PandorasBox]

If you get a Civil Demand....within 6 months is usually a safe bet.

Criminal Charges...that varies by state, 1-2 years....

As for moving, make sure you register the change of address with the post office so mail will be forwarded to your new address. If you miss the Civil Demand, they may file criminal charges. If you miss a court summons, a warrant could be issued for your arrest (doesn't sound fun to find that out on a traffic stop, eh?)

Change that addy on your debit card to your correct addy, also. Just a good idea.

[pavonismons]

Oh no, I'm a student, I don't have a 'correct' address. I mean, there's where I live 11 months out of the year, there's where I'm registered to vote, and my bills and such are scattered between those two addresses. I'll take care of all that! Thanks so much for your advice.