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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Houghton, MI
    Posts
    1

    Default Did I Really Shoplift?

    On Friday, May 13th, I went into a small local department store. It was cold out that morning so I was wearing a sweatshirt and a heavy jacket. It was warm in the store so I removed my jacket and carried it. As I was shopping I fould a small purse I wanted to purchase and placed in over my arm, then repositioned my jacket onto my arm so I had a hand free to shop. Later I found a swimming suit I liked and slung that over the purse on my arm. I continued to shop and when I was finished I was about to check out and realized that I couldnt find my wallet. I frantically tore apart my purse and the pockets on my jacket. I figured I must have left it the car (hopefully!) so, in my panic I ran out the door threw my stuff on the passenger seat and began digging thought my vehicle. A minute later a sales girl was pounding on my window demanding the items back. Needless to say I feel like a total idiot, appologized and handed it back to her. I told her that I intended to buy it but she would ahve no part in it. She told me to leave, consider it a break and never return to the store. Not wanting trouble and feeling like a big loser I did just that. Today, Monday may 16th, I get a call from the local cops saying that the store reported me for shoplifting and I need to come in and talk to them Wednesday. I'm scared out of my mind....and I dont think anyone is going to believe me! Im a 22 year old female majoring in engineering at a tough Michigan school, Im in a sorority and several groups on campus, I do community service and Im almost ready to graduate (Im engaged and planning my wedding too!) What could happen to me and what should I or shouldnt I say to the police n Wednesday!? Any advice would help out a lot! Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Shoplifting - Cops Want to Talk

    The police have one primary interest in talking to you - to try to get additional information from you which would justify charging you with shoplifting. If you feel you must talk to the police, talk to a criminal defense lawyer first.

    If you don't wish to consult a criminal defense lawyer, consider notifying the police by telephone that (a) the incident was a misunderstanding, resulting from your going out to your car so you could complete your intended purchases, and (b) you are sorry for the misunderstanding. If they say that's not good enough, or they press you for more details or to come in for a meeting anyway, apologize and indicate that you will have to consult a lawyer before you can answer any further questions.

    They want to see you in person so they can try to break you down and get you to confess to shoplifting. You don't have to go along with that game.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Did I really shoplift?

    To answer your question, YES you did shoplift. Passing all points of sale without paying and leaving a retail establishment is SHOPLIFTING ~! I am not doubting your story of "forgetting" your wallet, but i hear similar stories every day of the week. As for the items placed over your arm with your jacket covering them, this is indeed a very popular shoplifting technique which we as Loss Prevention Officers are trained to look for. Everyone is innocent and sorry and "forgot" and will go and pay for the items now, which just can not happen or everyone, including myself will chance to leave with hundreds or thousands of dollars of merchandise with the only ramification being i go back in and pay for it. This would of course lead to the downfall of every retail establishment in the country as we know them. Be responsible for your actions ~! ALL of YOUR actions ~!

  4. #4

    Default Re: Did I Really Shoplift?

    If you just got a call, why did you even admit that you have been anywhere near the store?

    You may say that they found you because of your license plate and presumably, you would be recognized (by the clerk, because of cameras, etc.). Fair enough. But until and unless the police arrest you, or you get any official papers, you can just ignore any calls from the police. If they do arrest you or send you something, let a lawyer deal with that or be present. Don't make it easy for the police. Police resources are limited, and since you were not arrested at the time of the incident and the police did not come and get you, make it more, not less, hard and expensive for them to deal with a matter that is certainly not their main priority.

    You may want not to drive that car. Traffic stops are a cheap way to find people without looking for them too hard.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Did I Really Shoplift?

    This thread is from 2005.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    811

    Default Re: Did I Really Shoplift?

    Too bad we didn't learn what happened...

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