Banned from Publix for Stealing a Pair of Tweezers

[berlinwitt]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida. Okay well I thought it would be cool to steal a pair of teasers for god knows what reason.. They were 1.29 so I didn't think they would care. Pretty stupid right? Well I got caught and they let me go without calling the cops or my parents (I'm 16) or even take down my name or information. The only condition was I was not allowed to come back. I wouldn't mind that if my dad didn't take me grocery shopping every other week... I can't go back in there because they said they would tell my parents and call the cops. Can they really do that? I mean they don't even know my name.. What should I do?

[cbg]

Of course they can really do that. Why on earth would you think they couldn't?

They don't have to know your name. If they recognize you as the kid who was stupid enough to think that stealing stuff, no matter how little, and driving prices up for the rest of us makes him cool, and that they gave a break to, and who didn't have the sense to stay away when he was told to, then that's all they need.

[jk]

let's make this even easier.

it is private property. They can ban you from the stores simply because they want to. They need no reason and as long as it isn't based on illegal discrimination, it is legal.

If you return, they can have you charged with trespassing as well as the other threats of action.

[PandorasBox]

Best to tell Mom/Dad why you cannot enter ANY Publix Store, worldwide.

You see....Dad wants to take you grocery shopping. You are recognized. He will want an answer as to why his daughter is being placed in handcuffs, being taken to a police car and jail....to face Criminal Trespass charges.

They likely have your name.....and a photo of you, and the photo of the item you were trying to steal.....They may even have a nice face-recognizion system in the store.....

[travelplus]

If you stole from my store of course I have the right to ban you. I can decide who enters the store and who can't return. You committed the crime so of course you would be banned. Remember the sign that says"We reserve the right to refuse service to anybody". So I could refuse service to a person who was rude or wrote bad checks to our store.

Also if you are with your father you will more than likely be recognized and the police will be called for tresspassing. It does not matter who you are with you are an individual that was caught shoplifting. Again this is private property.

The photos of shoplifters are usually posted by the time clock, the supervisors desk and sometimes by checkstands. If someone recognizes you they would call LP or say a special code on their radio like 10-333 meaning we have a shoplifter who has been tresspassed on our property and to deal with it.

Now if you want the ban to be removed you could write a sincere letter to Publix stating what you did on what date and how remorseful you are and how you learned a lesson about how shoplifting hurts the store. Tell them that you appreciate them not calling the police and that they gave you a break by having you not go to court etc.

If your family is part of their Loyalty Program tell them so and say that you made a huge mistake by shoplifting and that you would like to be able to frequent their store. You can say that you would appreciate them to reconsider the ban and that you promise to be a loyal customer and apologize for your actions.

This is a better way than going to the store and being removed for tresspassing. Writing a letter works especially if you are part of the loyality program where they track your purchases. Lets say you stole a $3.00 item but your family spends $1,000 a year you may be excused of the Civil Demand. This is not to say shoplifiting is good but it may work especially if its your first time.

I hope this helps