Not Guilty - I didn't do it

Hey, I see I am not the only one with a similiar problem. Yesterday, I was shopping at K-mart, and I purchased over thirty dollars worth of items. I forgot the a six dollar pack of batteries at the bottom of the cart. I was stopped at the entrance they took my picture, and I signed a document that prevented me from accusing them of any liability. I have read over some of the entries here, and read it seems LP's from people 99% of the cases people give the accidental "excuse".

I reported it to Corporate and I talked to the LP manager who I found out made the call I was "shoplifting". He said he wouldn't go into detail, was extremely rude, and told me not to call the store again. He told me, he was nice about it when I was highly embarrassed. I was treated like a criminal. I am known as a super-honest person, hate lies, despise deception, have a clear record, my bills are never late, excellent credit, never any bounced checks, etc (I am sure you don't really care, but sorry explaining)

It seemed like a threat when he told me not to call again, I was lucky he didn't call the police, and he still could. He said corporate forgets many things, so not much of chance on any action. *sighs*

My question is.. Can he do that? Do LP's really not care? Or are they just so cynical that everybody must be guilty?


I have major sleep deprivation that causes me to be a bit flighty sometimes. I know you think it's just an excuse most likely. It was scary, because I have never been accused and taken back for shoplifting in my life. I found out he knew I had the batteries before I approached any of the doors. Why couldn't someone of pointed out, "Miss you forgot to pay for those?"


I shop there pretty regularly as well, but never again. I asked him is it even a possibility a mistake was made, he said none whatsoever, he had been in the business 15 years, etc.


I was told they only care about profit and not the people. My advice is to be careful and always be aware, this can happen to anyone.


(He said I took the coffee maker and had it drop the batteries at the bottom of the cart or something--after his aggressive tone I didn't want to listen anymore..)


This is the document they gave me a copy of:

Release by Adult-
Loss Prevention

For valuable consideration received, I agree not to make a claim or file a lawsuit against K-mart Corporation or it's associates involving an incident occurring on the date shown, and I release K-Mart Corporation and it's associates and agents from any liability to me arising out of the incident.


Is this standard procedure to sign a document like this? It seems to be telling me that perhaps they knew they were in the wrong, when they don't have a signed legal agreement I can't press any charges or such. *Yet* the LP manager is surly and thinks I am guilty.

It reminded me of a cop and interrogation tactics.....very intimidating.

Sorry for such a unconcise, post--I would really appreciate any imput.

Its is not the Lp's job to decide innocence or guilt! That is what a judge/jury does. What the LP does is follow both the law and store policy to prevent loss to their stores. This involves arresting shoplifters on occasion. Many people use BOB( bottom of the cart) method to shoplift! You may be one of them. The LP cannot read your mind so they donot know your intent! They follow (as stated) local Laws and Store policy to protect store. You met criteria for a shoplift stop. You also met store policy requirements for stop. As I said your intent is unknow except to you! LP here every excuse on a daily basis and many get rude about I am sorry to say. You can complain to corporate about how you were talked to but they did no wrong with your stop!

I understand that, it's just hard not to take such a thing--personally. They care only about the store's profit and possible losses--understood. One question I would really like to know...

Why did they have me sign such a document to protect them? If they were so assured, why have me sign one?

You could have chose not to sign it! Its a document stores use to protect themselves

I know, but it is kind of hard when you are trying to keep your emotions together and you are reeling in shock from being told such a thing. Cold, hard logical thinking had escaped me at that moment. Maybe I should pursue criminal justice like my elder sibling.

Signning the document really did you no harm and if you hadnt they would have documented you refused which could be mistaken as being uncoopertive

If I may chime in on this. I think if this person really believes he is not guilty and I think is not guilty. Then he or she should consider sueing Kmart. Thats right sue them for, I think, would be fasle arrest/ emotional damages. I think that would change Kmarts attitude fast. O yes when these LP's where trying to ram rod this person over $6 in batteries a real shoplifter or shoplifters where busy behind their backs getting out of Kmart! Now, what sense does it make to pursue one person over $6 when they have a whole store to watch:wallbang: .

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Quoting fishalot

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If I may chime in on this. I think if this person really believes he is not guilty and I think is not guilty. Then he or she should consider sueing Kmart. Thats right sue them for, I think, would be fasle arrest/ emotional damages. I think that would change Kmarts attitude fast. O yes when these LP's where trying to ram rod this person over $6 in batteries a real shoplifter or shoplifters where busy behind their backs getting out of Kmart! Now, what sense does it make to pursue one person over $6 when they have a whole store to watch:wallbang: .

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Which would take thuosands in Attorneys fees and about 1 to 2 years to complete! By the way it doesnt appear as though OP was arrested!

Let me correct and say false detention. It is also easy to file a civil complaint without a attorney, but it does take time.

It wasnt false detention either she met both State laws and store policy for shoplifting stop! There was no false detention. I agree it "appears" to be innocent mistake but as I have said many times last few days LPs cannot read minds!