Shoplifted at Walmart, Worried Police Might Come and Get Me

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NEVADA
I shoplifted last night at walmart, worth $30 (4pcs of lipstick). Placed everything in my bag (still sealed in its original packaging) and continued shopping for the things that I could pay for. I believed no one saw me, except for the cameras maybe.

I stayed at walmart continued shopping for the things I could pay for. Went to the cashier and paid $20. When I went out (together with other people) the alarm went off or so I think (the metal thingy before heading out the exit, it LIGHTED) . I stood for a few seconds. then headed out to the parking lot. stayed again for few minutes wondering if im already in trouble.

No im sick worried, cant sleep and eat. My conscience is eating me. Worried to death that the police might come and get me, is this even possible? It's been 24 hours since it happened, been paranoid everytime I hear a car or ringing on our phone.

I have no other records by the way. I just really wanted those lipsticks so bad and I couldn't afford it. I'm 28 yo.

Why, hello there!

I, being currently charged on a ordinance violation retail theft myself, can give you some quick answers from a few consultation sessions I just recently had.

1. The store has 1-2 years (depends on your state) to file a complaint that could have criminal charges against you with the evidence they have. Since you got out and no LP (Loss Prevention) staff came to escort you to their office, you should be safe. Be glad nothing happened and that you got off freely. Nothing usually happens after you get away, just make sure you don't STEAL from there again because the next time you'll surely be caught.

2. The magnetic sensors probably went off because you bought something that wasn't demagnetized probably and that triggered the alarm. Chap-sticks aren't magnetized if you're curious so, again, I wouldn't be too worried about the incident.

Overall, DON'T WORRY! The people on this forum (some of them, not all of them) are negative critics and give some of the most helpless feedback in the world. There are a handful of them though, that don't mislead or worry you to the point where you think that life isn't worth living for anymore. Best regards to you! :)

- - - Updated - - -

Just an update:

It isn't worth to steal anymore, take my word on it. Stealing costs money, and I'm currently saving up to pay this ridiculous-but-fair $200 citation for retail theft. That's not all, I'm probably going to have to pay court costs and this incoming civil demand letter, too. I'm just spreading the news whereas the officials have failed to announce the punishment to the public.

Thank you for your quick response, Im too worried because I read some posts in some other websites that even after getting away from the store, they can track using ur car plate number and cctv's. By the way what I bought were padlocks, juice, strawberry, chips and biscuits only. that's why im worried that the alarm went off because I took 4 lipsticks.

I really swear not to do this again, it's not worth it, it's eating me! thank you again

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:

---

Quoting mtheos

---

Why, hello there!

I, being currently charged on a ordinance violation retail theft myself, can give you some quick answers from a few consultation sessions I just recently had.

1. The store has 1-2 years (depends on your state) to file a complaint that could have criminal charges against you with the evidence they have. Since you got out and no LP (Loss Prevention) staff came to escort you to their office, you should be safe. Be glad nothing happened and that you got off freely. Nothing usually happens after you get away, just make sure you don't STEAL from there again because the next time you'll surely be caught.

2. The magnetic sensors probably went off because you bought something that wasn't demagnetized probably and that triggered the alarm. Chap-sticks aren't magnetized if you're curious so, again, I wouldn't be too worried about the incident.

Overall, DON'T WORRY! The people on this forum (some of them, not all of them) are negative critics and give some of the most helpless feedback in the world. There are a handful of them though, that don't mislead or worry you to the point where you think that life isn't worth living for anymore. Best regards to you! :)

- - - Updated - - -

Just an update:

It isn't worth to steal anymore, take my word on it. Stealing costs money, and I'm currently saving up to pay this ridiculous-but-fair $200 citation for retail theft. That's not all, I'm probably going to have to pay court costs and this incoming civil demand letter, too. I'm just spreading the news whereas the officials have failed to announce the punishment to the public.

---

Does it mean... they could still track me even if it has happened a year or 2 ago?

You are very welcome!

Yes, what you heard is correct. The store CAN trace you down with your license plate number and call the cops on you, but for 4 lousy chap-sticks? Most likely not. I'm glad I've changed one life in this world; and as they say, if you can change one life, you can change more.

Have a good day, sir! :)

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:

---

Quoting worriedshopaholic

---

Does it mean... they could still track me even if it has happened a year or 2 ago?

---

Yes, you can absolutely bet they can! But, the main question is, "WILL THEY?" Like I said, most likely not. Just do me a favor man and don't steal anymore, okay?

Best regards!

Quote:

---

Quoting mtheos

---

You are very welcome!

Yes, what you heard is correct. The store CAN trace you down with your license plate number and call the cops on you, but for 4 lousy chap-sticks? Most likely not. I'm glad I've changed one life in this world; and as they say, if you can change one life, you can change more.

Have a good day, sir! :)

- - - Updated - - -



Yes, you can absolutely bet they can! But, the main question is, "WILL THEY?" Like I said, most likely not. Just do me a favor man and don't steal anymore, okay?

Best regards!

---

I really won't do it anymore! Thank you... like I said its not worth the sleepless night.... But I didn't steal 4 chapstick... but 4 lipsticks from Revlon worth $30... you still think im ok?

Honestly, I don't want to give you a misleading answer, but all I can say is... don't post all the information about this online. Everything here is not confidential (meaning the whole world -- probably not China, kidding, can see it). If I were you, I'd keep it confidential and to myself. I'm not giving you legal advice or encouraging you to steal. I'm just giving you my input on what I would do if I were in your situation.

thank you for the concern. should I just go ahead and delete this thread?

Quote:

---

Quoting mtheos

---

Honestly, I don't want to give you a misleading answer, but all I can say is... don't post all the information about this online. Everything here is not confidential (meaning the whole world -- probably not China, kidding, can see it). If I were you, I'd keep it confidential and to myself. I'm not giving you legal advice or encouraging you to steal. I'm just giving you my input on what I would do if I were in your situation.

---

You can't delete the thread.
No one is going to track you down by that user name. I doubt you use it on a regular basis.
You need to let yourself really feel that worry and guilt, because it may end up saving you from making a costly mistake again.
Good luck to you.

Hi, not here to give you negative criticism and helpless info....I'm gonna tell you the truth.

Yes, the store has 1-2 years (it varies by state) to file charges.
Yes, they can trace you by Drivers License Number. So yes, it is possible for Mr. Officer to knock on your door.
Many stores have traveling LP people, so I would stay out of any WalMart within a 90 mile radius. It is possible to be recognized by LP and detained.

I'm gonna tell you....shoplifting is expensive. With lawyer costs, court costs and fines, and the Civil Demand, you really do look at $2000+ very easily. Along with a great difficulty in finding a job. So trust an ex-offender, it is not worth it.

Just to clear the air about retailers tagging makeup. If lipstick is a high shrink (theft) item then they may very well tag specific items.

yes im still worried up until now. I promised myself not to do it ever again. it's not worth it.

Quote:

---

Quoting mmmagique

---

You can't delete the thread.
No one is going to track you down by that user name. I doubt you use it on a regular basis.
You need to let yourself really feel that worry and guilt, because it may end up saving you from making a costly mistake again.
Good luck to you.

---

- - - Updated - - -

now im getting even worred. and I should carry this worry for the nxt 2 years. If ever when is the earliest should I expect the cops? it has happenend not more than 36 hours.

Quote:

---

Quoting PandorasBox

---

Hi, not here to give you negative criticism and helpless info....I'm gonna tell you the truth.

Yes, the store has 1-2 years (it varies by state) to file charges.
Yes, they can trace you by Drivers License Number. So yes, it is possible for Mr. Officer to knock on your door.
Many stores have traveling LP people, so I would stay out of any WalMart within a 90 mile radius. It is possible to be recognized by LP and detained.

I'm gonna tell you....shoplifting is expensive. With lawyer costs, court costs and fines, and the Civil Demand, you really do look at $2000+ very easily. Along with a great difficulty in finding a job. So trust an ex-offender, it is not worth it.

---

- - - Updated - - -

so does it mean it's possible that the alarm went off because of the lipsticks I took?

Quote:

---

Quoting Security Consultant

---

Just to clear the air about retailers tagging makeup. If lipstick is a high shrink (theft) item then they may very well tag specific items.

---

Yep, 1-2 years to bring charges.

So again, avoid that store and all it's nearby locations.

Of....if this is in a strip mall....avoid the whole strip mall too, as your picture may have been copied to LP in other stores.

Quote:

---

Quoting worriedshopaholic

---

- - - Updated - - -

so does it mean it's possible that the alarm went off because of the lipsticks I took?

---

If nobody when through the pedestals when you did they probably were. I don't think any of the other items you listed would have been tagged.

I find it interesting that one poster insists that some of the volunteers are "negative".

I believe the translation of that would be along the lines of "They didn't tell me what I wanted to hear".

C'est la vie!

Checked the website of nevada law and it says 2yrs. Does it mean i need to avoid this particular walmart or all walmarts? Does it mean the cAr i used has a picture also?

Quote:

---

Quoting PandorasBox

---

Yep, 1-2 years to bring charges.

So again, avoid that store and all it's nearby locations.

Of....if this is in a strip mall....avoid the whole strip mall too, as your picture may have been copied to LP in other stores.

---

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:

---

Quoting Security Consultant

---

If nobody when through the pedestals when you did they probably were. I don't think any of the other items you listed would have been tagged.

---

I was just wondering if the lipsticks were the reason why the alame went off how come they didnt come and check me? I still stood there for a while and waited inside my car wondering if im already in trouble.

- - - Updated - - -

Quote:

---

Quoting Dogmatique

---

I find it interesting that one poster insists that some of the volunteers are "negative".

I believe the translation of that would be along the lines of "They didn't tell me what I wanted to hear".

C'est la vie!

---

Hi, i appreciate every comment posted here whether its negative or positive. May i ask what are your thoughts about my posts? Am i in trouble?

As computers allow instant facial recognition, I suggest you stay out of Walmarts period. They do currently exchange information among stores in an area via picture I understand.

Quote:

---

Quoting Disagreeable

---

As computers allow instant facial recognition, I suggest you stay out of Walmarts period. They do currently exchange information among stores in an area via picture I understand.

---

If i do this should i be safe? Thank you

Safer anyway. I suggest also, if you receive a call from the police wanting to discuss the matter, you advise them someone told you to never make a statement without a lawyer. If they want you to come to the station, advise them you do not feel there is a reason you need to.

Quote:

---

Quoting Disagreeable

---

Safer anyway. I suggest also, if you receive a call from the police wanting to discuss the matter, you advise them someone told you to never make a statement without a lawyer. If they want you to come to the station, advise them you do not feel there is a reason you need to.

---

Thanks for the advice. When should i expect the call? As early as today up to 2 years?

It can happen today....it can happen tomorrow....it can happen 1 year down the road....you never know, the store might get a new LP manager who decides to review tapes on Day #600......

Quote:

---

Quoting PandorasBox

---

It can happen today....it can happen tomorrow....it can happen 1 year down the road....you never know, the store might get a new LP manager who decides to review tapes on Day #600......

---

Thank you for replying pandorasbox. I've been reading the pasts posts here up until 2007. Saw a lot people were tracked down even after being out of the store premises. Thought im already safe since i got out of the store safely. Some were tracked down the following day, a week later, 2 weeks later or even months later. I even read person who just took a bag of popcorn and still tracked him down. All were tracked because they were caught on tape and their licensed plate number were recorded. I guess all i can do for now is pray. Hope for the best. Stay away from all the walmarts. Stop stealing and just completely regret this mistake. Thank you for all the responses.

And get a consultation with a lawyer just in case the day comes when you need one.

Quote:

---

Quoting PandorasBox

---

And get a consultation with a lawyer just in case the day comes when you need one.

---

One more question though, once the alarm wents off at walmart does it always mean someone/somebody stole something? It is possible that it could be false alarm? Or something that i was wearing or bought from a previous store cause the alarm ringing? Thanks!

It could be either. But when I worked at Kohl's, if it went off when I was cashiering, we had to enter the date, time, which door into a log for LP.

Stores can be very reasonable. But since you have admitted you stole 4 lipsticks....it's very possible that LP will look at such a log, look at video surveillance and make a connection.

This is a pretty lousy video. Point and click to see more images, and get an idea of what video cameras can do nowadays.
http://www.wlns.com/story/23695431/police. One of the last ones, you could even see how the criminal was getting gray hairs in his beard.

Quote:

---

Quoting PandorasBox

---

It could be either. But when I worked at Kohl's, if it went off when I was cashiering, we had to enter the date, time, which door into a log for LP.

Stores can be very reasonable. But since you have admitted you stole 4 lipsticks....it's very possible that LP will look at such a log, look at video surveillance and make a connection.

This is a pretty lousy video. Point and click to see more images, and get an idea of what video cameras can do nowadays.
http://www.wlns.com/story/23695431/police. One of the last ones, you could even see how the criminal was getting gray hairs in his beard.

---

Thanks for the link. The camera captures very clear. Im now worried even more. No sleep for a couple of days now. This is really not worth it. Should i just throw the 4 lipsticks out?

What difference do you think that would make?

Well, if you have not opened them....you could mail them to the store.....with a note of apology. But don't sign your name or put a return address on the package.

OR....you could get a money order and do the same.