Will a Store Figure Out that I Shoplifted
I live in Missouri and shop at Walmart a couple times a week. Tonight I was in Walmart around evening on a Friday. I had made a couple trips to the dressing room and then walked about the store for a little while before returning to the clothing area next to the fitting room where I had stashed the items I wanted to steal. While I was near the area that they were hidden at a young couple were eyeballing me with suspicion so I left the area to return after a few minutes to find they found the items I hid. It was a couple handfuls of bras and undies. They were looking through the pile then went away.
I immediately was impulsed by fear to remove the evidence and leave the store. As I made my way to the pile of clothes I heard someone page someone to the fitting room - whether it was because of me or not I don't know. But I grabbed the pile of clothes and stuffed it all under my jacket. I didn't see any cameras in the area but I don't know what kind of technology they're using these days. I started to make my way to the doors and had encountered an employee on accident with whom I had a short conversation about the holidays...she glanced down at my jacetate with slight suspicion at one point. I finally made my way out the doors and rushed through the dark parking lot to walk home.
So in summary - I'm a regular at this Walmart and use a debit card twice a week there. I'm sure they have video of me walking out with my jacket stuffed and one employee saw my face. Plus I'm sure I was reported by a young couple for theft. My address at my bank is not up to date and neither is it at work. I'm concerned they will find me. Is it possible? If so, what can I do?
Re: Will a Store Figure Out that I Shoplifted
Certainly it’s possible the store may figure you as a possible shoplifter. Whether the store or police will make the effort to track you down to have you arrested over this is impossible for me to know. If this was in a medium to large city then it’s probably not a real high risk of that. If it’s a small community then they might put in the effort because they don't have much else to do.
I’d suggest, though, that you consider just staying away from that store and doing your shopping elsewhere. While they might not go out of their way to track you down, you’d make it much easier for them to find you if you just walk right back into the store. If you do go back, you might expect to have extra scrutiny and trying to steal from the store again strikes me as something that would be very foolish indeed.
Re: Will a Store Figure Out that I Shoplifted
Suffice it to say if you were in Walmart THERE WERE CAMERAS. Walmart is full of them down to each checkout lane even. Whether anybody's interest was attracted enough to actually look at them is another story. If they do, there's almost certainly evidence of your crime. If someone recalls you as a regular they almost certainly CAN trace you back to your bank account. Once they have a name and social, it's not going to be hard to find you even if you don't have your current address on file.
As TM says, I'd avoid that Walmart for a while. If they think you're a habitual shoplifter, they may be watching for you (we used to have a little rogues gallery in the employee break room).
If contacted by the store or the police, do not talk to them. If the police insist, refer them to your lawyer (which I might be researching who that might be if you're going to take on the life of crime).
Re: Will a Store Figure Out that I Shoplifted
The easiest way to avoid being recognized as a shoplifter is not to shoplift. I'm amazed at how many people have to have this rather obvious fact pointed out to them.
Re: Will a Store Figure Out that I Shoplifted
Where I've worked LP, if we knew you stole but didn't stop you that day, but you subsequently came in at a later time, you were taken into custody and charged at that time if we saw you, whether you were stealing that day or not.
Re: Will a Store Figure Out that I Shoplifted
I love how remorseful you are for committing a crime. You are what's wrong with society. Get a job instead of taking what's not yours. Freaking thief. Yes, they can roll the cameras back and do the research if they so choose. It's up to how dedicated the Lp is that works your case. I hope you get caught, trash.