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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Tried to Walk Out, but Gave Up Item and Left when Questioned

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

    I live in Maryland and my question is regarding shoplifting. Earlier today I attempted to walk out of Target with a vacuum cleaner in my cart which I had not purchased, but as I was about to walk out of the store I was stopped and asked for a receipt. I handed the cart over to the Target employee and said, "nevermind" and left. This moment was a "wake-up call" to never try this again, but I am now worried about the possibility of further trouble because of this. I was not detained and they did not get any of my information, but I did make a purchase with my debit card upon entering the store about an hour earlier. If they somehow find that transaction, would they be able to find me using information from that transaction and file charges against me for the vacuum cleaner? The cost of the vacuum cleaner was $549.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Tried to Walk Out, but Gave Up Item and Left when Questioned

    Yes, they are able to find you if they have the evidence that you were trying to walk out, the surveillance video of you in the store, making an earlier purchase and/or your licence plate. Target even has their own fingerprinting lab. My guess is that this is not your first time stealing in Target and maybe they have video of you from previous thefts and will tie it all together and decide to prosecute.

    The amount you attempted to steal is a felony, so they would more likely try to find you than if you had just stolen some lip balm, but will they do this? Only time will tell.

    My guess is that LP was not watching you, or they would have detained you. So unless they go back and review video based on what the Target employee tells them, they may not try to find you. They will most likely be watching for you to come back, so stay out of Target.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Tried to Walk Out, but Gave Up Item and Left when Questioned

    Thanks for your response iceblink. I'm wondering now what my best course of action would be. I'd hate for the police to come and arrest me at my home or at work, I would rather come in myself. Should I call the police dept. regularly to check if a warrant has been issued for me? Should I start inquiring about the possibility of qualifying for a public defender? Any advice on what I do now?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Tried to Walk Out, but Gave Up Item and Left when Questioned

    Since you have not been arrested yet....shut up, keep your mouth shut, and stay out of Target.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Tried to Walk Out, but Gave Up Item and Left when Questioned

    Thanks PandorasBox. I will follow your advice and keep my mouth shut and to stay away from Target.

    The "not-knowing-if-or-when-they'll-be-coming-for-me" is bringing on so much anxiety, however. I just don't know what to expect. Would arrest be their immediate action or perhaps a civil demand (if they were able to pull up my information through the debit card transaction that occurred earlier)?

    I read somewhere that if you drop the item inside the store before stepping on the sidewalk that you would be free and clear...I wonder if my handing the cart over to the target employee and saying "never mind" would fall into the same category? (or is there anything to ease my anxieties?) I know I was wrong...I'm just trying to find a way to sleep tonight I guess.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    60

    Default Re: Tried to Walk Out, but Gave Up Item and Left when Questioned

    Since you have not been arrested yet....shut up, keep your mouth shut, and stay out of Target.
    Best advice right there! I wouldn’t offer any information or admission of guilt until accused.

    However, the store does have a few options in this case.

    1)Do nothing at all.
    2)Review the DVR, identify you through the debit card or license plate. Then file charges though the local Police.
    3)Or identify and send your picture/information to all surrounding stores (in cooperation) in the form of a BOLO. You can expect to be watched whenever shopping.

    FWIW, the parking lot cameras at major retailers are very effective for gathering license plate info.

    As stated above…only time will tell.

    Paranoia’s a b1tch, isn’t it?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    UTAH
    Posts
    178

    Default Re: Tried to Walk Out, but Gave Up Item and Left when Questioned

    To ease the anxieties I would suggest stop stealing dyson vacums from Target. They watch those like hawks because people like you steal them often. Pray that nothing happens and learn that theft is not a good lifesytle. If you are afraid of paying the price(jail, prison, fines, civil suits, future job issues, government aid, etc) then don't do the crime. That is the only thing you can do.

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