True, they can not ask to be reimbursed for the theft.
If you have raed some of the posts on this board, you know about Civil demands and shoplifters.
The crux here focuses on whether an "admission" is the = of an "in the act apprehension". A Civil court only requires, most of the time, the Plaintiff, here WG, prove it's case by a "preponderance" of the evidence". An admission would seem to satisfy this burden of proof!!
Option 1, refuse to pay.
Result of 1: get sued. You can always recant your admission, true, but If a denial is then stated in open court/papers, IF such were a true statement to WG at the time, and they can prove it, then a perjury charge could be "possible". Does not seem worth the risk.
You have to decide what course is best remedial.

