Complaints About a Store's Treatment of a Shoplifter

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ
My wife was caught shoplifting from costco in NJ, it was mostly with food with a total value of $170 it was the first time she ever did something like that. she was not arrested thou they did take all her information including her S.S# what got me upset was the way it was handled. I understand it was very wrong however I felt that being pushed physically because they wanted her to walk to a room was uncalled for also after they retrieved everything and about 15 minutes into asking her questions she asked to go to the bathroom she was denied there were other females coming in and out of the room and I asked them why cant she go to the bathroom with another female they just said no because they don't know if she will steal something (which was ridicules they kept her there for about 45 minutes and no mater what would not let her go to the bathroom (she asked them at least 6-7 times to just let her go to the bathroom with a female escort) when they were finally done they still wouldn't let her go to the bathroom and by the time she was taken out of the store being so nervous she wind out going in the car as she had no longer control. I totally understand that she did something wrong but to treat anyone this way was also very wrong again it was the first time something like that happen and I know it will NEVER happen again What do we have to do? Thank you for your time

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Quoting david224

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My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ
My wife was caught shoplifting from costco in NJ, it was mostly with food with a total value of $170 it was the first time she ever did something like that. she was not arrested thou they did take all her information including her S.S# what got me upset was the way it was handled. I understand it was very wrong however I felt that being pushed physically because they wanted her to walk to a room was uncalled for also after they retrieved everything and about 15 minutes into asking her questions she asked to go to the bathroom she was denied there were other females coming in and out of the room and I asked them why cant she go to the bathroom with another female they just said no because they don't know if she will steal something (which was ridicules they kept her there for about 45 minutes and no mater what would not let her go to the bathroom (she asked them at least 6-7 times to just let her go to the bathroom with a female escort) when they were finally done they still wouldn't let her go to the bathroom and by the time she was taken out of the store being so nervous she wind out going in the car as she had no longer control. I totally understand that she did something wrong but to treat anyone this way was also very wrong again it was the first time something like that happen and I know it will NEVER happen again What do we have to do? Thank you for your time

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So the two of you were caught shoplifting? Did they also take your info?

Right now you don't have to do anything until the other foot drops. That will most likely be a civil demand letter for payment, a civil complaint, or a criminal complaint.

If you get a civil demand letter, you should pay it. If there is a civil or criminal complaint, you should get a lawyer.

BTW, how does one shoplift from Costco where they punch your receipt when you leave? Just curious as to the modus operandi.

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Quoting david224

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What do we have to do?

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Nothing.

The only way to convince criminals to stop being criminals is to make the consequences as unpleasant as possible.

Your wife got what she deserved.

Get over it and hope she doesn't face criminal prosecution.

Why don't you form a national organization for the advancement of shoplifters. You can publicly lobby each state to change the laws that permit store security and video cameras.

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Quoting Disagreeable

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Why don't you form a national organization for the advancement of shoplifters. You can publicly lobby each state to change the laws that permit store security and video cameras.

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Or, the rest of us can petition our legislators to bring back the pillory as a penalty for shoplifting.

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/22700/227...y_22765_lg.gif

They should have removed his boots and put salt on his feet, so the dogs would lick his feet raw.

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Quoting adjusterjack

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Or, the rest of us can petition our legislators to bring back the pillory as a penalty for shoplifting.

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/22700/227...y_22765_lg.gif

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Quoting david224

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they kept her there for about 45 minutes and no mater what would not let her go to the bathroom (she asked them at least 6-7 times to just let her go to the bathroom with a female escort) when they were finally done they still wouldn't let her go to the bathroom and by the time she was taken out of the store being so nervous she wind out going in the car as she had no longer control.

What do we have to do?

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You ask Costco for a cup of Tide for her underwear and a can of upholstery shampoo for the car seat. If they don't respond, then move on because there is nothing else you could do.

From the retail security industry BEST PRACTICE: DETENTION OF SHOPLIFTING SUSPECTS BY LOSS PREVENTION AND SECURITY PERSONNEL

5. In the Store’s Office

"Once in the office, ensure the suspect is not armed by means of a search or pat down in compliance with the local law. All persons in custody should be treated courteously, irrespective of race, creed, age, or hostile attitude. If a request to use the restroom is made, or a request for water, grant such requests."

Your only recourse in this is to talk with Costco management about it. I'm surprised they didn't call the police on the sport and have her arrested.

They should of let her go to the bathroom but she very lucky she wasn't arrested,especially considering the amount.

Going to the bathroom is the body's way of getting rid of toxins. Going to the bathroom can be a matter of life and death. Even people in jail are allowed to use the bathroom, which happens to be right inside the jail cell.

I think that the OP's wife should hire an attorney and sue for not being allowed to use the bathroom. She has certain rights, even if she is guilty of shoplifting.