Shoplifting from M&M World in Times Square

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York

M&M World, Times Square, NYC.

The first time I went in there and saw huge M&M dispensers and filled a plastic bag with a LOT of M&Ms and kept it in my backpack and just walked out of there. I honestly thought the M&M was free!

Second time I go in there and I do the same thing -- take a sizable amount of M&M's in a plastic bag and again kept it in my backpack. As I'm doing this, I notice people are actually paying for the M&Ms. So I took a small amount and went to the register and paid for it with my Debit Card. And I walked of of there again with no issue.

I honestly did not realize back then that I was stealing from there, but it turns out I did.

I feel bad about it.

But the issue is, can they look at the Camera footage and track me down through my Debit Card or something?

It was a few months ago, and I have had no one knocking at my door and anything in the mail.

Do I need to be worried?

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But the issue is, can they look at the Camera footage and track me down through my Debit Card or something?

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They can, but there's no way to tell you whether they will.

Stay out of that store. If they did spot you on video and you're recognized, you can be detained.

For future reference, very few companies let you take pounds of their merchandise for free.

I know! Stupid thing to do.

But what are the odds of them coming after me?

When can I stop worrying about this?

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Quoting xeop

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I know! Stupid thing to do.

But what are the odds of them coming after me?

When can I stop worrying about this?

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The crystal ball is out of commission. therefore, our ability to foretell the future is limited at the moment.

That's cryptic?

Really man, I'm worried about this. (Should I be?)

The Statute of Limitations is 1 year for this right?

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Quoting xeop

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That's cryptic?

Really man, I'm worried about this. (Should I be?)

The Statute of Limitations is 1 year for this right?

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We cannot predict the future no matter how much you wish us to.

It depends on the value of the items stolen.

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Quoting xeop

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That's cryptic?

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Let me repeat for you once more, since you apparently weren't paying attention the first time:

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They can, but there's no way to tell you whether they will.

Stay out of that store. If they did spot you on video and you're recognized, you can be detained.

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Quoting xeop

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Really man, I'm worried about this. (Should I be?)

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Good. Maybe the fear will be enough to convince you to stop stealing.

Well, I went to that place and acted suspicious deliberately for a long time, but did not take anything.

No one said anything, so I guess I'm clear.

Consider yourself lucky, and hopefully scared straight.

And remember....Some stores do have sample stations....with employees handing out the samples.....

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Quoting xeop

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Well, I went to that place and acted suspicious deliberately for a long time, but did not take anything.

No one said anything, so I guess I'm clear.

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Just had to poke the bear - didn't you.

I really thought they were free samples. I really did.

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Quoting xeop

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I really thought they were free samples. I really did.

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But did you need to go into the store and 'act suspicious' to see if they would pick you up? Are you seeing if you can get away with it again? Really, you dodged the bullet a couple of times already, are you willing to go there again? :rolleyes:

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Quoting Security Consultant

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Just had to poke the bear - didn't you.

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I couldn't hold back.

I had fun I must admit.

I toyed around with things, took them, placed them back in the shelves. Ask the LP guy random stupid questions.

I really don't think I would like to jeopardize my future in Finance by stealing something worth a few dollars.

Not to mention my immigration status in America.

It was an honest mistake.

You can think whatever you want.

I did not go there to take M&Ms again.

I did buy 5 packs of them after I got out of there and enjoyed it on the journey back home.

I mean should I not go back there even if my intentions are clearly not to do anything wrong?

I love M&M's. I can't help it.

You can purchase M&M's at any retail store or even convenience stores.

Should you go back to the Big M&M Store - Act like an adult. Quickly find your purchases and pay for them.

Acting suspicious will either:
- Cause LP to follow you (when they could be watcing real thiefs)
- Cause LP to become suspicious enough of you to post your pic in the LP Office and by employee tiimeclocks (See this person, call LP immediately).

An honest mistake? An honest mistake is forgetting to feed the dog. Knowingly concealing merchandise and removing it from the premises of the rightful owner without rendering payment is theft, plain & simple.
How do you know you were talking to the LP guy? They don't normally walk around with a sign on that says "Hi! I'm the LP guy."