Can You Be Prosecuted for Past Shoplifting Cases Based on Store Records
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Wisconsin
My friend recently shoplifted and got caught at a Kohl's store. They said that since she is a minor and it is her first offense, she will have no record. She lied and said it was her first time although she had lifted at several other stores previously.
The LP said that he would send around some info on her to other stores.
Is this true? Are other stores notified of shoplifters and given information to identify them?
I'm scared that it's possible that the stores are looking for her and when they recieve the information (does it include a picture of her?) will identify her as the previous shoplifter. Can they prosecute on this?
Is it even enough proof to have video evidence that looks like a person who recently got caught lifting? Is there any way for the stores to prove that my friend who got caught is the same girl who shoplifted at their store earlier?
Thank you for your answers.
Re: Can I Be Prosecuted Against by Other Stores Through Use of Records
Stores can and will share information about shoplifters. Mostly with their own stores and almost certainly if they've given you a trespass warning. She should stay out of Kohl's if she's received such a warning. She should STOP stealing in general. Her name will almost certainly go into a database of known thieves that the retail industry maintains which will bode poorly for her if she's ever caught again or tries to obtain employment in the retail industry.
It's possible that if they had observed her previously stealing that such a notification might result in them stepping up, but I suspect that it's probably unlikely . But yes, if the person (possibly bolstered by video) from the other store says they saw her steal there and now have her identity from her other arrest, that is enough to convict her.
Oh, and by the way, she can expect a letter from Kohls' "lawyers" demanding an civil payment for the damages she has caused them. This will be independent of her criminal prosecution. The threshold for making such demands is LOW. It's quite possible that "a girl who looks like her" is more than sufficient to proceed on collecting such demands. Stores such as Kohl's and Walmart are very aggressive in sending out these demands.