Check out some similar questions!

theone06 · Dec 8, 2006, 01:03 PM

I did the biggest mistake ever and got caught stealing when I got caught they checked to see if there was any previous records before and I didn't have any and the item was under 100 so they didn't call the cops but they took down all my information like id social and they said that I'm going to receive a fine from 250-500 and I was just wondering if this is going to be on my record?? I HOPE NOT!! :(

ScottGem · Dec 8, 2006, 01:09 PM

It would help to know where you are from. But it sounds like this won't be on your record.

theone06 · Dec 8, 2006, 01:11 PM

I'm from California and they took my picture and everything and after the fact the guy told me either I can go back to shopping or go home and said that I'm getting a bill that I can go back into the store and make payments it was at a macys

ScottGem · Dec 8, 2006, 01:21 PM

Unless they called the police, this should not appear on your record. What bothers me is them letting you back in the store and this thing about a fee. Normally a shoplifter, even a first time offender is banned from the store for a period. If they recovered the item intact, then you shouldn't owe anything. If the item was damaged or unsaelable, they should just charge you the cost of the item.

Fr_Chuck · Dec 8, 2006, 01:47 PM

Who took your photo, who took down all this info?

Unless the police took down all that info, there is no criminal report, no record.
You were lucky,

I hope you will learn from this.

theone06 · Dec 8, 2006, 07:51 PM

The macys security took all of this and they did get the item nothing was wrong with the item and I did learn from this I can't stop thinking about how stupid I was for doing it that's not who I am it was one big mistake but I called the macys lost prevention and they said they got up 2 30 days to press charges against me!:confused:

ScottGem · Dec 9, 2006, 07:41 AM

True, they can still press charges. So you might consider writing them a letter of apology with a sincere statement that you have learned your lesson and will never do this again.

excon · Dec 9, 2006, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

What bothers me is them letting you back in the store and this thing about a fee.

Hello the:

I would do something else, entirely.

It's true, you shouldn't have shoplifted. That's a misdemeanor - a minor crime, at worst. The loss prevention cops, however, committed a major crime, against you - a felony! It's called extortion. They CANNOT make you pay money to keep them from calling the cops. You're certainly not paying for the thing you stole. They got that back. This is textbook extortion.

Did you get the names of the loss prevention fascists? Call Macy's and ask them for any written documentation they have on the incident. See if you can get their names.

IF you get a bill from them, make a copy and send it back with a letter, sent certified, return receipt requested. Tell them that you will not fall victim to their extortion, and if you EVER hear from them again, YOU'LL be the one calling the cops.

excon

ScottGem · Dec 9, 2006, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by excon

The loss prevention cops, however, committed a major crime, against you - a felony! It's called extortion. They CANNOT make you pay money to keep them from calling the cops. You're certainly not paying for the thing you stole. They got that back. This is textbook extortion.

IF you get a bill from them, make a copy and send it back with a letter, sent certified, return receipt requested. Tell them that you will not fall victim to their extortion, and if you EVER hear from them again, YOU'LL be the one calling the cops.

excon

I think you may need to reread the thread. I don't see anywhere where he said the store security offered to not report for money. All they said was there would be a fine.

We have seen that Canadian law has upheld the right of a store to charge a fine for shoplifting as a deterrant. Maybe there is California or US precedent for this as well.

I agree its extortion, but, at least in Canada, its legalized extortion.

excon · Dec 10, 2006, 10:38 AM

Hello again:

I think the actions of the loss prevention cops clearly indicate that they're not going to call the police. The mention of the "fine", (which they have no idea about), and the "bill" he's going to receive, for what I don't know, is further evidence. I think the extortion is explicit as well as implicit.

When they catch a shoplifter, loss prevention cops, who are NOT trying to up the victimization, immediately call the REAL police, and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. The person is banned from store. They don't receive a bill. If the store is out, the perp is ordered to pay restitution.

None of that happened here. The store is a bigger crook, than the crook!

excon

s_cianci · Dec 10, 2006, 05:33 PM

Unless they press charges, there'll be no fine and no record. Since they didn't call the cops, I'd like to know just if they intend to press charges and, if so, how? It doesn't make sense that they'd plan on pressing charges but not notify the police.

missgallucci · Apr 22, 2007, 11:01 AM

No it will not be on your record but the fine is a ! Trust me. LOL. Um just try to not tell your parents I guess because other than that you are just banned from that store and they don't want you there.