Stupidly shoplifted and got caught

Why did you do it?

You obviously know it was wrong , can you seek help ?

I’m not sure I can offer any real help but hope you have people in your life who can .

What job do you do, if you don't mind me asking? Were the police called?

I am struggling financially though like I say no excuse

I work in a care home and had not long finished working nightshift when this happened, and yes the police were called.

You will have to face the music here whatever happens. It might be better not to broadcast this. I hope you have made a username and not your real one.

I think if you’re charged you will have to tell your employer, it will certainly show up in any future CRB checks.

I think you should probably speak to the citizens advice bureau, particularly considering the job you do.
I don't know anything about the law, but you will need to find out what the consequences may be, and your best course of action. Try not to worry - easier said than done, I'm sure.

Were you charged or cautioned?

Have you shop lifted before or is it the first time?

If its your first time then I would explain your financial situation and how ashamed you feel.

If this is something that has happened a few times then maybe you have a medical problem.
Menopause can be a factor.

If you have been interviewed by the police then I trust that you had legal representation.

A lot will depend on what you said at the time.
And if the shop wishess to prosecute.

I hope it all turns out OK for you.

If you have accepted a caution, go to citizens advice and ask to speak to a legal advisor.

Yes the police turned up at the shop where the incident took place and then asked to go with them to the police station.

Yes it is the first time I have been caught shoplifting though I do have driving offences.

I stupidly decided to steal a pair of Boots, so naive to think I could have done so without being seen.

I was charged yes

and no I didnt have legal representation with me.

Then as has already been said I would speak to citizens advice re your job.

Maybe if this was so out of character, go and see your GP
As you said "so naive to
think that I could have done so with being seen

If you were not offered legal representation it maybe something to ask about at the citizens advice.

Maybe I will try and speak to my citizens advice bureau next week.

And yes it was out of character, I had just worked a 12 hour shift 8:30 last night til 8:30 this morning, decided to go to the shops for a bit after work and we have been having really bad weather recently.

Seen the Boots in a high street store and decided to go into a changing room to try them on. I thought they were ideal though knew they were out my price range so stupidly decided to put my Shoes I had on at work in my bag and wear the Boots and walk out the store.

Like I said earlier was naive for thinking I could have got away with it as then a member of staff approached me as I went to walk out the store.

The problem is there isn't any doubt you did do it, so even if the penalty isn't very great and there are extenuating circumstances you will have it on your record.
I'm afraid you really need legal help.

Cheryl1967 Is it the first time you have stolen, or the first time you have stolen and been caught stealing ?
I do think that is a valid question in the circumstances.

Yes I know I really should get legal help.

Hasnt really crossed my mind really as it been a long day, after the incident and the police turning up at the store I have been there since about 10 this morning til about 6 tonight.

Second time stealing, first time being caught. Bad I know and know now I have consequences to face.

First and foremost you have been very honest and brave to come out and say this on here, I know I wouldn t but secondly and more importantly, its not about ‘getting away with it’ but more worrying that your conscience didn’t kick in to stop you doing it You say it’s the first time I ve been caught shoplifting does that mean you ve done it before and not been caught if so I think it would be really wise to seek some help to try and discover why you are doing it however poor you are it’s not acceptable if it is a first time and you were tired and not thinking straight i quess the big lesson is don’t put yourself in temptations way when youre dog tired
I think the advice you’ve been given by others is spot on discuss it with CAB and take their advice they are usually really helpful
Good luck

Which shop was it?

It was from Debenhams

I do intend to seek some help. Really dont want to have a repeat of the day I have just experienced after the police turned up.

Cheryl, worringly you state that "This is the first time I have been caught shoplifting" have there been other occasions when you have not been caught?
Yes this will go on your record even though the company may not prosecute you.
This will show up on any subsequent CRB checks that any future potential employers in the care industry are obliged legally to carry out.