Got Caught Stealing from Urban Outfitters

[idonthaveone]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado.

Today I was shopping at UO and when I bought one shirt and stole one a pair of pants by putting them into my bag. On my way out the door, the alarm at the front went off and I was stopped by the store manager. I panicked and showed him the pants and apologized over and over again. He was nice, and let me purchase the pants, and told me I could leave. But then on my way out the door beeped (again.) At this point there was no merchandise in my bag. The manager immediately demanded that I let him search my bag, something which I refused. (Personal items and whatnot.) When I told him that he couldn't look in my bag, he told me I could leave and that he was going to go call the police. He had really shaken me up at this point so I just left because I was scared. I realized that I had paid with my debit card. If the manager did call the police, could they somehow pick out which transaction was mine and then get my debit card number, and track me that way? Or could they use the cameras or something? Would they even bother? Please help me, I'm really worried about it. I know I didn't end up stealing any merchandise but I don't know if I can still get in trouble. Please help. Thank you in advance.

ALSO before you tell me I'm an idiot, I know I'm an idiot. Trying to steal was wrong and I think I've learned my lesson.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If the manager did call the police, could they somehow pick out which transaction was mine and then get my debit card number, and track me that way?

Of course.

Or could they use the cameras or something?

If they have you on camera, obviously that would stand as evidence as well. I expect that if they have video surveillance of you in the store, they'll be taking a good, hard look at it to see if they can find evidence of your stealing other items.

Would they even bother?

If it were me, having just given you a break and having you take off when you appeared to be caught stealing additional merchandise, I would certainly 'bother'. I can't speak for them.

[idonthaveone]

How is it possible for them to get my debit card number? I thought it was illegal for stores to keep card information.

I meant the police, will they put in a lot of effort to find me even if I stole nothing else?

Sorry if my questions sound ignorant I'm just a little freaked out about the situation.

[PandorasBox]

The store can certainly write a report and have the police investigate.

To get your name and info....the manager likely wrote an incident report anyway. "White male, attempted shoplifting at 2:14 pm on August 4. Alarm sounded, I detained young man, he purchased the pair of pants (description).".

Now they would go through receipts and find a match....I just happened to make a purchase today....
VISA. #XXXXXXXXXXXXX(last 4 numbers). And....my name.

If you didn't steal anything else, why did you not let the manager search your bag? Carrying weed or something?

[idonthaveone]

Well, if they look through the receipts, how will they will able to determine which is mine? There were multiple purchases in the same minute I was in, the store was very busy.

No, there were no drugs. The manager was just very rude and was scaring me a little and I panicked.

[Disagreeable]

Says the busted thief. ROFL. You committed the crime, admitted to the crime and now are likely going to be prosecuted for the crime, since they know who you are. That will teach you to run. I do believe I hear a knock at your door.

Well, if they look through the receipts, how will they will able to determine which is mine? There were multiple purchases in the same minute I was in, the store was very busy.

No, there were no drugs. The manager was just very rude and was scaring me a little and I panicked.

[PandorasBox]

How many registers does that store have? I'm sure the manager would have made note of which register you ended up paying at.

You'll also notice on an average receipt.....there is a code that says Transaction Number; Register Number. And that UPC Code. Sorry, but let's say 6 registers are open. You are very unlikely to have the exact same purchase at the exact same time at the exact same store......

Also, those CCTV's are really good. So you will be on tape, and they will be able to tell what time; what date; what register; who apprehended you and rung you up....

- - - Updated - - -

Seriously...I would be shopping around for a Criminal Defense attorney and have the number on speed dial. When the cops come knocking....you open the door, you wait til they tell you what they are there for, then you tell them you want to call your lawyer.

[mmmagique]

Yep. Get an attorney. You lied to the manager, and you're lying to us. You stole more than he caught, and you didn't want to let him look in your bag.

[PandorasBox]

And you will want to be honest with your lawyer. If you lie to your lawyer, you can be dropped as a client. Or the lawyer just won't care what happens to you.