Thank you for your reply, that's very helpful. He's incredibly embarrassed by the ordeal and knows what he did was extremely silly and illogical.

Thanks, do you know if Sainsburys themselves can pass on the details to the police if they didn't call them on the day?

Hi Guys My friend was caught shoplifting at Sainsbury's, the value of the item was around £5 - £6. Security staff took down his details but did not call the police - they issued him with a lifetime ban instead. I know he'll expect a letter from DWF but can they pass on his details to the police and if so will they take action to investigate this and charge him or give him a fine?