Had a Bad afternoon

Didn't see your update Sharonberry. It's a relief to know they cleared up their mess and shame on them for putting you through all this.

Re: my post........I think I'm watching too many mysteries and reading too many 'whoodunnits'. I'm now on Season 4 of the Dr. Blake Mysteries!

Whilst you may be going voluntarily, be careful! My daughter attended "Voluntarily" but was told that if she refused, she would be arrested!

They may have traced you from a "Loyalty" card if you used one but I'm sure you should have been challenged at the time!

I have had a similar experience, and I think, unfortunately Sharonberry was at a disadvantage because they obviously had to take account of the grandchildren, which meant she was left worrying until it could be cleared up.
The police contacted me at work, and I was fortunately able to organise time immediately to deal with the problem. Although I understood the principle of contacting a solicitor, I was confident I could clear it up quickly - and would have asked for a solicitor had that not been so.
I didn't really have time to get upset before it was all over.

I think a few people are overthinking this. How many times have we seen Crimewatch or similar programmes where members of the public who may have been at the scene of a crime are asked to come forward so as to be ruled out of the enquiries?

The shoplifting was probably discovered by somebody checking the CCTV (maybe later) so I think this is a simple case of eliminating people who also used the paypoint meter.

Or via the DVLA if the CCTV showed you getting into your car. It still sounds odd how they could mistake you for someone else. A very unpleasant experience.

I was wrongfully arrested in April. 13 days after the alleged offence. This is so wrong... And as others have said how on earth did they get your address if they didn't stop you at the store?? Make sure you have a witness by your side at all times when you go to the police station, Good luck and do let us know the outcome. I don't trust the police anymore after my horrendous arrest (even put into a cell for hours, DNA taken, fingerprints, photo's etc.!!!). A total nightmare....

Well as someone who has watched every police drama going I can confidently say this is rubbish policework. The CCTV would have on the exact time that the suspect used the top up machine. The owners of the machine would have the exact time that individual cards were used. Matching the two is hardly brain surgery. What happened to the OP is unacceptable given those facts so she should ask for an apology.

Definitely sounds very fishy to me Sharonberry. My first thought was whether the 'police officer' was genuine, but then you stated that you have indeed reported to a police station and was told that the Officer was unavailable at the time. Personally, I would get a Solicitor asap.

hope you sort it all out? Do let us know how you get on.

Why does she need a solicitor? She hasn't been accused or charged.

MawBroon, you are absolutely correct! I managed stores for 30 years and any shoplifters had to be challenged leaving the store.
Begs the questions a) how did they get your name and address and b) what proof do they have?
I would take someone with you when you go to the police station.
Hope all goes well.

I think If the details were from someone checking the CCTV in the store I would seek compensation for their sloppy work and the undue stress they caused you. I would suggest he/she should be retrained on tracing times/incidents and following a trail.

I am glad it is all sorted now.

Probably found out her name and address as she had used her electric key very close after the shoplifter used hers ( within couple minutes ) now that she has been cleared they will now get the information from the right keycard and question the right person . Hope sharonberry you get an apology as it should not have happened ! Panic over ?

I’ve worked in retail most of my life. The store has to stop you AFTER you have left the shop with something you haven’t paid for....ask you to
accompany them back into the shop ( which you DONT have to do by the way) .... and then search your property!! NOT wait ten or twelve days to sort it. It’s rubbish... don’t bother with any of it. Somebody’s been collared and given your name and address.!! Don’t forget to ask them what you were supposed to have stolen... exactly where the goods are now !!! Without the goods.... they haven’t got a leg to stand on. !!!

Somebody somewhere is avin’ a larf.

Go to see a solicitor. Go to see a solicitor. Go to see a solicitor. Go to see a solicitor. One who knows something about criminal law. [Ask first] Your anxiety levels must be stratospheric. If there is any foundation to this - mistaken identity, malicious prosecution etc you need a solicitor. And you don't know if there is a foundation until someone professional has looked into it for you and [probably] spoken to the police for you.

It has all been sorted everybody! See Sharonberry's post on page 2. It was all a misunderstanding but most distressing for her.

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