hi, my name's Mark, i was "caught" shoplifting today at my local target store here in Texas. I put quotation marks on caught because i didn't have anything on me when i left the store. Here's the story, I was planning on taking a case for my ipod, i opened the package, put it in my pocket and walked around for a bit before changing my mind. i took the case out of my back pocket slowly and kicked it away. After doing that i walked towards the door and as soon as i got out, a security guard and one of the employees asked me to walk with them. So we go to their security office and i get asked in a rather vulgar way where the item is and to empty my pockets and show some id. I empty my pockets show some id and tell them straight out that i was going to steal the case but that i chickened out before leaving the store. So they entered my driver's license info into the computer which i'm assuming is used so that i won't be able to work at a target and their affiliates. They didn't call the police and they didn't ask me to sign anything or take my picture like some of the other stories i've read on here. I did however offer to pay for the broken packaging and that they could keep the case. After a while of waiting for them to finish putting my info into the computer, the lady asked me if i was really willing to pay for the case and i said yes so they bring a new unopened case and i get escorted to pay for it at the register. Once that is done, i am escorted out of the store, told that i can never shop there again and that i will be getting a letter from target.
My question is this, 1) if i didn't leave the store with the case, is it still shoplifting?? 2) even though i paid for the case and got a different one, am i still liable for the case i opened?? and finally, 3) what might that letter from target be about??
I'm pretty glad that i didn't go through with my plan but i am still pretty worried about what might happen with this situation. if anyone on here can help answer my questions and maybe give me some advice i would be eternally thankful.
sincerely,
Mark

