Caught on Camera Shoplifting

[SusanBradFord]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas

Well, I have these friends who are always bragging about shoplifting and how they never get caught. Well this time their story was they were shoplifting and they almost got caught. They were in walmart and ov er the intercom they heard, "security to cosmetics (makeup was what they were stealing" so once they heard that they ran out of the store with the items. No one stopped them so they think
they got away. My responce was that they were more than likely seen on camera and somehow the police can find them and press charges.
They stole about $15 of makeup each.
Am I right that they can find them through the security footage or did they get away scott-free?

[Disagreeable]

Potentially, yes they can. All it takes is running stills through the DL database. They will also have pics of them posted in the store security office.

[PandorasBox]

The tapes will be turned over to the police department.

And you bet their pics will be posted next to Employee Timeclocks; shared with every WalMart/Sam's in the area. And possibly with other local merchants.

When they get caught - they can expect Criminal Records, being entered into the National Retail Theft DataBase, and courts costs/fines, and Civil Demand payment to the store. Tell your friends you hope they have $3000 each laying around because they will need it. They also need to pull out the yellow pages and start looking for Criminal Defense Lawyers.

I also hope your friends have jobs....because with a criminal record for shoplifting....they might want to start learning how to operate the fry fat at McD's.

[SusanBradFord]

They are saying since they didn't give any infomation and that they change their hair colors a lot. The police won't find them. I know that the police can completely find them, I was planning to show them this post so that they will start believing.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You're right.

They may be in for a surprise the next time they try to steal from that store.

The future of store security involves facial recognition software. Do your friends know a good cosmetic surgeon?

[PandorasBox]

They may be in for a shock if they walk into any WalMart....