[unknown87]

Hello

Last month I was being caught stealing a product worth $7.00 at zellers canada. They took me at zellers office. They call the cops and made me sign a tresspassing notice for not to be on their property for 1 year. The cop said they will not charge me anything for this but the zellers security officer took my picture and made me signed a letter saying that I will have to pay a fine/penalty for this as this whole process took their time and the cops time. I also took out the barcode sticker from the product.

My concern is does anyone know how much will be the fine and in how long does it takes to get the letter in the mail. Also what happens if I don't want to pay the fine. So they also send follow up on this or do they forward it to a collection agency which will affect my credit?
Please help me.

[JudyKayTee]

This doesn't sound like a fine. It sounds like restitution, payment for the merchandise and their time and effort in apprehending you.

The store sets the amount, and there's no telling what it will be.

What will they do if you don't pay? Possibly press charges for "under" (which can be done in Canada).

[unknown87]

Judykaytee thank you for your reply.

Do you know if this will this stay on my credit.

I also have a job interview this Friday and they might do an employment background verification check. Will this afftect my getting this job

The cop at the store said if you fill out a form in future where is says"have you ever been caught by a cop?" then I have to say YES. Can I say NO as this was just a minimal theft ?

[JudyKayTee]

The question won't be "have you ever been caught." The question will be "Have you ever been arrested?" It appears that you have NOT been arrested. You have no Court date, correct? It was handled right at the store.

So - when you get the letter demanding restitution, pay it, avoid going to Court (if you don't pay) and, no, this will not show on an employment verification because it's NOT an arrest.

[unknown87]

The question won't be "have you ever been caught." The question will be "Have you ever been arrested?" It appears that you have NOT been arrested. You have no Court date, correct? It was handled right at the store.

So - when you get the letter demanding restitution, pay it, avoid going to Court (if you don't pay) and, no, this will not show on an employment verification because it's NOT an arrest.

This gave a bit relief. I have not got any court date. Touchwood

So I am not sure if I will get a penalty letter in the mail or no. but if I get one to pay a fine then can I call the store and see if the fine can be reduced /waived or no as this was my 1st and last time that I did this huge mistake of stealing

[JudyKayTee]

Be careful what language you use - it's NOT a fine. It's restitution. Only a Court can set a fine.

I would wait and see what happens. No, the store will not negotiate with you. If you don't pay they have the ability to have you arrested.

[unknown87]

Be careful what language you use - it's NOT a fine. It's restitution. Only a Court can set a fine.

I would wait and see what happens. No, the store will not negotiate with you. If you don't pay they have the ability to have you arrested.

In this case I would wait and see what happens.

Appreciate all your help

Thanks

[JudyKayTee]

Keep in touch - let me know what happens next. Also - stay out of Zellers. They aren't joking about you being banned. Stores often exchange info with other stores so be very, very careful.

[unknown87]

Keep in touch - let me know what happens next. Also - stay out of Zellers. They aren't joking about you being banned. Stores often exchange info with other stores so be very, very careful.

Yes I will be careful and I am never doing this again.

Would you know how long does it takes to receive a letter from zellers. Appx how many days ?