Theft and Larceny: What is the Risk of Returning to Stores Where You Shoplifted

Quote:

Quoting swim

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NY

I am writing on behalf of a close friend who is at loss of what to do.

He has developed a habit of drug use and at the time would enjoy the thrill of shoplifting items of high sums. The quantity from his information is not as large but
the value of each items are high and unsure but is over $10,000. Of the two locations he used to visit, one of them did not physically catch him but he believed he
was "caught" and they are aware of his actions. Having watched tape and evidence at the original store, he is fairly positive they are aware of his actions but not if
they will or have gone through previous tapes.

Location 2 being a similar type of retail, he was wondering would location 1 send the information to location 2 in which case would they be "suspicious" or go through
their tapes to see what he has possibly (when he did) shoplifted.

Would location 2 see the previous tapes as well?

My friend has quit all drug use and is now currently undergoing huge amounts of stress at possible prosecution. It has been about half a year since the incident and he has not been prosecuted but fears of the day police will show up to him or his parents. He would like to confess to his parents and to the store but is unsure who knows and to what extent and even if he were to repay the incredible sum of money, he fears for prosecution so is unsure what he can do to remedy if anything.

How long after the incident can they prosecute? and to prosecute is an ID and match with the footage required. If he avoids and does not enter those stores will it be safer and if for how long?

My buddy goes to grad school in a different state and location 1 has a store in the area that he goes to school (which is not NYC). Do stores sent out the face and warning to all stores and chains thus him having the need to avoid all?

Any help would reduce the stress and paranoia he has daily when he hears sirens or strangers or entering shops. I know deep regret isn't enough to remedy this but if there is anything that he can do it would be appreciated.

This is the best advice you're going to get.

https://youtu.be/lbOtyWTRZ_g