I walked out of the store today and into another, where I was approached by security guy asking if I took something. I said no, even offered him to check my bag where I stood (which he can't do). So then he insisted and asked I go back to the store. Knowing I didn't take anything, I went back. He looked in and found the stolen merchandise, which I didn't, honestly (I would admit if I had in internet anonymity anyway), know I had. I know I was on the phone and holding several items, so in my retardedness I probably threw in with my phone after I was done. Admittedly, this is hard to believe, but it is what happened and the item in question was under $3, which was also the cheapest of all merchandise I did pay for. I totally forgot I even had it, I only remember looking through it.

Long story short, I was taken to the back where he took my ID and filled out an apprehension report (and took pictures as he banned me from the store) and called a cop because I refused to admit I willingly stole it. I apologized and explained I probably made a mistake and I had done no such idiocy in the past and have no records, but he kept demanding that I admit I stole it, which I did not. He said he was placing me under arrest. The cop went to see the surveillance tape (I was not shown), and decided that I was to be "given a break" but there would be a warning that police would be able to see whenever they had any dealings with me.

Now, generally, would that be some sort of a permanent record (Canada)? I wasn't told I was actually being charged and I wasn't told that I would have to pay any fine or appear in court, which they mentioned and I said I would be fine with taking this to court. Do they send those in the mail without telling you on the spot or something?

The topic of Canadian shoplifting has been thoroughly addressed on AMHD many, many times. Just use the search engine in AMHD and you'll get your answers. JudyKayTee has fully addressed this topic many times.

"He said he was placing me under arrest" this is a touch vague but if you were actually arrested and later "given a break" there will be a record. I will not say you were giuilty but that you were arrested. This comment pretty much cinches it "would be a warning that police would be able to see "