Shoplifting - Cops Want to Talk
The police have one primary interest in talking to you - to try to get additional information from you which would justify charging you with shoplifting. If you feel you must talk to the police, talk to a criminal defense lawyer first.
If you don't wish to consult a criminal defense lawyer, consider notifying the police by telephone that (a) the incident was a misunderstanding, resulting from your going out to your car so you could complete your intended purchases, and (b) you are sorry for the misunderstanding. If they say that's not good enough, or they press you for more details or to come in for a meeting anyway, apologize and indicate that you will have to consult a lawyer before you can answer any further questions.
They want to see you in person so they can try to break you down and get you to confess to shoplifting. You don't have to go along with that game.
Re: Did I really shoplift?
To answer your question, YES you did shoplift. Passing all points of sale without paying and leaving a retail establishment is SHOPLIFTING ~! I am not doubting your story of "forgetting" your wallet, but i hear similar stories every day of the week. As for the items placed over your arm with your jacket covering them, this is indeed a very popular shoplifting technique which we as Loss Prevention Officers are trained to look for. Everyone is innocent and sorry and "forgot" and will go and pay for the items now, which just can not happen or everyone, including myself will chance to leave with hundreds or thousands of dollars of merchandise with the only ramification being i go back in and pay for it. This would of course lead to the downfall of every retail establishment in the country as we know them. Be responsible for your actions ~! ALL of YOUR actions ~!
Re: Did I Really Shoplift?
If you just got a call, why did you even admit that you have been anywhere near the store?
You may say that they found you because of your license plate and presumably, you would be recognized (by the clerk, because of cameras, etc.). Fair enough. But until and unless the police arrest you, or you get any official papers, you can just ignore any calls from the police. If they do arrest you or send you something, let a lawyer deal with that or be present. Don't make it easy for the police. Police resources are limited, and since you were not arrested at the time of the incident and the police did not come and get you, make it more, not less, hard and expensive for them to deal with a matter that is certainly not their main priority.
You may want not to drive that car. Traffic stops are a cheap way to find people without looking for them too hard.
Re: Did I Really Shoplift?
This thread is from 2005. ;)
Re: Did I Really Shoplift?
Too bad we didn't learn what happened...