Can a Store Track Down Shoplifters By Their License Plate

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia
Over a month ago my friend shoplifted from walmart way early in the morning using my car(COST:Under 10 dollars), I'm very pissed. He parked on a side street visible to walmart but not on the property of walmart. He went in and took a pack of redbull and found a blindspot and stached it and went back to my car and hid it. he went back again and took another pack, he said no one saw him and he wasn't stopped either times. Im scared he's gonna get caught and get my plate traced back to me. it has been over 6 weeks and he's gone back to that walmart more than half a dozen times for non illegal activities(buying dip and food and stuff) he says he hasn't been apprehended and nobody has followed him or talked to him. Im scared and worried sick that i might get in trouble or a letter or met by the police. Does anyone know how long it takes for them to contact you? and do you think the plate will be traced? Im so scared and i told him not to pull that again(I'm doing community service on my own to get my mind off of this) Thank you for the help.

The store can't, but the police can.

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Quoting Security Consultant

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The store can't, but the police can.

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Ya, I understand that but do you think that will happen and how long will that take

Nobody but the store would know. What's that line....the crystal ball is out for cleaning.

There are options available to retailers where they can enter plates into the system and see who the car is registered to. Will they use it on a case like this? No one knows.

Or they can just call the cops and give them the plate information.

Ya you're right. I should stop worrying because that isn't helping me. Im not a bad person btw and I was just worried and looking for some sign of relief. Thanks

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Quoting Security Consultant

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The store can't, but the police can.

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And as soon as the police get it, which only takes about 1 minute, they immediately hand over the information to the store as well. Either way, if they got a plate number the police will find out who you are and the store will find out as well.

Thank you guys I think im okay but im just a little scared. Im not a bad person and Ive been feeling awful lately and im trying to see if walmart will let me volenteer or stock shelves or anthing cause i feel sick

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Quoting ifeelguilty

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Thank you guys I think im okay but im just a little scared. Im not a bad person and Ive been feeling awful lately and im trying to see if walmart will let me volenteer or stock shelves or anthing cause i feel sick

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You didn't do it, your friend did it. You have no reason to feel sick over it. Just be wise and do not lend out your car again.

Ya I know but ive none this kid since we were 11. I dont want him screw up ya know. Hes already on probation