Gransnet forums

Legal, pensions and money

Stupidly shoplifted and got caught

(93 Posts)
cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 18:49:38

Like the subject says I was caught shoplifting this morning and I am now so ashamed, no excuse as I shouldnt have done it under any circumstances.

Worried now I could end up losing my job if my employers find out.

Wondered if anyone has words of advice or even knows someone who has been in this situation?

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 21:12:16

I do have holes in my work shoes I had on last night, not trying to be funny in the slightest or make an excuse.

The Boots would have been ideal for all the snow we are getting at present though should never have contemplated it.

Im a horrible person I know.

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 21:09:40

Yes it was a terrible idea, dont know what came over me.

It might be a good idea for me to get legal advice.

Grannyben Fri 19-Jan-18 21:08:25

I am so sorry and I really don't wish to be mean but I think you just need to accept whatever punishment is coming your way. I do appreciate you have been struggling financially but you didn't take a loaf of bread because you were hungry. If you had holes in your shoes, I could have maybe seen why you would attempt to take a £15 pair from primark but no, it was a £250 pair from debenhams. The other week I really wanted a danish pastry for 89p but I couldn't have it because I didn't have enough money. It makes me angry

Eglantine21 Fri 19-Jan-18 21:03:40

Deciding to take the boots Cheryl. Now you realise the consequences.

Please, please make the legal advice your priority.

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:56:13

Yes looking back I know it would have seemed suspicious, the woman did go away though.

MawBroon Fri 19-Jan-18 20:54:02

You went into a changing room to try them on? Isn’t that a bit unusual for boots or shoes? After asking for the left one I mean. Someone must have been suspicious? confused

MawBroon Fri 19-Jan-18 20:51:31

Blimey.

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:50:52

They were £250 the Boots

MawBroon Fri 19-Jan-18 20:47:40

I have read that the police won’t prosecute for under £200 worth of goods. Must have been expensive boots?

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:43:36

Was what worth it Eglantine21?

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:42:03

I know some rest is needed though to be honest doubt I will get much sleep.

Scary day as when I was taken to the station I had my details etc taken. and was made to understand the reasons why I was there.

They then went through a set of health questions about alcohol, drugs, health.

I was then given a pat down and had my property removed including my footwear after being fingerprinted/photographed and Dna swab taken and taken to a cell for hours before questioning.

Eglantine21 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:39:18

Not potentially, it will show as you will have an Enhanced Check because of the nature of your work. And not just future if your employers do update checks. The update checks only take minutes and were a regular routine for us.
Was it worth it?

Cherrytree59 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:34:47

Some rest is needed tonight.
Tomorrow an appointment with CAB.
An appointment with GP.
It maybe that you require help with the shoplifting,
If as you say it us out of character.

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:26:13

I also am aware this could potentially show on any future checks relating to my job.

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:23:23

It was mentioned at the time of my arrest about my legal rights, though as I was caught I thought it may have been a waste of time so said no.

And yes I have been formally charged.

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:21:33

Yes I admitted in a previous post this is the second time I have and only time I was caught, understand why anyone would think it is worrying, when I said I had previous offence it was driving related which I know could work against me.

OldMeg Fri 19-Jan-18 20:12:34

I don’t know if legal advice is going to help. You were caught red-handed (or rather footed) and haven’t a leg to stand on. Any lawyer will simply tell you to plead guilty and hope you get away with a caution, which is likely if this is the first time.

If you were arrested you would have been told you had a legal right to have a lawyer present. Did you waive that right? And have you been formally charged?

Re your job, I’d say that very much depends as you are in a position of trust with access to elderly residents.

judypark Fri 19-Jan-18 20:12:28

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.

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:11:25

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.

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:08:48

It was from Debenhams

kittylester Fri 19-Jan-18 20:05:44

Which shop was it?

BlueBelle Fri 19-Jan-18 20:05:28

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

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 20:02:02

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

cheryl1967 Fri 19-Jan-18 19:59:44

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.

Nelliemoser Fri 19-Jan-18 19:58:15

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.