Caught Stealing, Store Only Has My License Plate Number

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I am extremely ashamed to say that today I totally blew it...I stole groceries from my local Alberstons. Upon exiting the building I was followed by a woman who immediately wrote down my license plate number. After witnessing her do so, I took all the food back into the store and left it there. I managed to slip in and drop it off in an isle before leaving.

This incident in itself would not arouse too much worry if it weren't for the fact that I have been slipping in and out of this Alberstons for months without paying for anything. I am sure
they have surveillance footage of me doing it multiple times if they decided to look for it. :wallbang:

What am I dealing with, what should I know, and how should I prepare?

Thank you so much in advance for your advise. I sincerely appreciate it with the warmest regards.

If they wish to pursue the matter with the police, it will be trivial to find you.
It is only slightly harder if the LP decides to do the work themselves.
Stop stealing.
Keep out of that store.
If contacted by the police decline to voluntarily talk to them.
If they arrest you, say nothing without a attorney.

You totally blew it the day you started stealing. You need jail time to cure your problem. You are just upset you were finally caught.

Thank you so much for the reply flyingron. I am extremely appreciative. How likely do you think it is for the LP to
pursue me? I understand that the answer to that ? is complete speculation but any thoughts on it would be much
appreciated.

The store may file a police report with your information noted. When the police look into the matter, decline to answer any questions without a lawyer present. In reality, depending on the amount of items unless the store has clear video footage of you leaving the store the police are not going to spend too much time on the issue because it would be a he said/she said type case for the DA. If the store does have the video evidence, then expect a warrant issued for your arrest. Don't go back to the store.

Despite the idiocy of returning to the store to return the items that were stolen, could that possibly help my case? Itwas an impulse move much like the initial crime.

Is there even the slightest sliver of hope that nothing will happen at all? Obviously the lesson was well received.

I really appreciate the replies more than you guys will ever know. Thank you.

Could WHAT help your case? Stop stealing and stay away.
You need to control those impulses. They'll get you in trouble. Rape and Murder are often impulse crimes as well.

What you have done is commercial burglary per PC 459 - a felony. Say out of the store, do not return, stop stealing and if contacted by the police remain silent and consult an attorney.

flyingron I already returned everything I stole to the store (within 10 min if stealing it). So I walked in walked out
and before I left the parkinglot I brought it back. I left it in the store. I did it quick as to not be confronted. I realize this is still a point of concern and it doesn't coax the situation. Also, I am fully aware I should not return as of now. That was not my question. It is my full intention not to steal anything ever again.

To restate my question: Risky as it was, did i make the right decision in taking the stolen items back to the store (within 10min of stealing them) and leaving them there? No one confronted me while in the store and I was able to slip out. Although i know they were aware of my presence because the LP was called on the PA right when I entered. If this was poor judgment how could this hinder my case? Or was this a good thing?

Sorry, that's STILL theft. You can be convicted.

It's to answer your question when you don't articulate one properly and don't bother to respond to questions asking for clarification.

Whether returning things you stole will have any affect on LP is largely IMMATERIAL. I suspect it means squat especially if they know you have been in there ripping them off before. I don't know how much plainer we can put this. You're a criminal. Stop breaking the law. You've been given the proper thing to do if the police come knocking and strategies to AVOID increasing the risk.

Taking the food back doesn't "unsteal" it. It's not clear that they would have even known it was the food you stole. You'll have to wait and see what happens.

OP: I am in slightly similar dilemma with wishing I could "undo" my crime while i have time to. At this point, the other posters are probably right. Stay away from that store. period. take some time now to research possible lawyers to represent you if/when that time comes. don't do it again.

All of you: Thank you for all your advise. I appreciate the time and effort you have freely volunteered. :)

How do you know the store personnel even linked your theft and random items found on a shelf in an aisle? People move things in the store everyday.