Accused of shoplifting/theft falsely or otherwise?

[JonCris]

This advice applies to ALL such circumstances irrespective of which retailers are involved

 

I realize it's a bit like closing the stable door cos most who come here have already fallen foul of CR but hey some may benefit Also cut & paste this onto the fridge door for all of the family to read as God only knows who will be next

 

If your accused here’s what you MUST & MUST NOT do

 

1st DO remain calm & try to avoid getting angry. Difficult though it may be be polite allowing them to have their say before responding, maintain the high moral ground by NOT being argumentative (remember the CCTV)

 

2nd If innocent DO maintain that position by stating at every opportunity “I deny the allegation(s)” or if you prefer “I didn’t do it gov”

 

3th If accosted outside the store and asked to return DO agree but as soon as you have entered stop & insist they deal with it there

 

4nd If accosted in the store DO NOT attempt to leave & this is most important when invited DO NOT go into their ‘little quiet’ office:eek: & although undoubtedly embarrassing remain exactly where you are, in sight of the CCTV, retail staff & public:)

 

5th DO NOT give your name & address to anyone other than a police officer & only then if the police officer asks the store staff to remove themselves out of earshot

 

6th DO NOT under any circumstances allow the shop staff to search you or your belongings & if involved a police officer does conduct a search request a notice explaining why & where it took place

 

7th Tell the police officer(s) you DO NOT wish them to give your details to the store whilst reminding them that the store can make a formal written request for the info (for which they’ll probably be charged £60 or more & of course it there's no caution, arrest or charge there'll be now't to give:D)

 

8th Despite the threats that we understand will be made & no matter how trivial they may claim it to be DO NOT under any circumstances sign anything or give any verbal undertaking:evil:

 

9th DO try & remember the names or physical details of all who are involved including staff who are nearby such as sales, checkout staff etc:)

 

10th If the police attend DO get the officers warrant card number The reason why you ask for the warrant card number is because his shoulder number might become redundant if/she moves to another area

 

11th If guilty say now’t without 1st getting legal counsel:wink:

 

12th If asked to write a letter of apology to the store DON'T

Edited April 13, 2010 by JonCris

[JonCris]

Updated

[ashmk]

Nice post. A good follow up would be a JonCris guide to 'What to do after you have been wrongly accused' ie who to complain to etc.

[bigsteve0000]

I wish the wife had read this last week.

 

How do you stand legally if you suffer from depression, anxiety and panic attacks, the wife had an anxiety/panic attach after a man squeezed past her in a shop even though he could have gone round and then followed her for fifteen minuets. Guess what he was a security guard, she hadn’t done any thing wrong at that point but after fifteen minuets of been stalked she lost track of reality and felt like a everything was a good idea and just stuffed she had intended to buy in her bag. I’ve paid the fine because she wouldn’t have coped with court, now they want £137 to pay the stalkers wages.

Edited March 22, 2010 by bigsteve0000

[bigsteve0000]

the wife has finaly calmed down enough to talk to me properly about what happened, she was arested on the 11 of march and has had to go back on the anti depressants, I think their kicking in now.

 

when I asked her why she thought it was a good idea to take the stuff she said she thought she had paid for it. she had been to the till and paid for a book she had in her hand and as she left the till she put the book in her shopping bag and also the stuff from her basket thinking she had paid for it, she was so distacted and panicing about this bloke who kept following her she didnt realise he mistake till she was halfway down the stairs to the ground floor. she says she didnt care at that point she just wanted to get home were its safe. this man then grabbed her outside the door and she was so relieved when he identified himself as security she didnt care what happened after that.

 

shes shop lifted befor but only at times of extream stress. first time the day after she found out her dad was dying from canser she had a panic attack in boots and rushed outside they grabbed her after she had calmed down walked back into the shop, if she had intended to steal the lipstick she could have been streets away in that time, she had it in her hand and made no attempt to hide it.

 

second time was nealy a year latter when her mum had phoned and told her she better come and say her last good buys to her dad as he was not expected to last the night. shed did her shopping in asda paid for it then just walked round the shop with her trolly putting thing in to her shopping bags in full view of the staff. her dad died the next day and she fell apart. that was over three years ago and she came off the anti depressants and seemed to be managing now this. some bloke squeses past her and followers her and bang it all gose to s##t

 

Shes been in such a state that ive been worred about her doing someting daft as she's tried commiting suicide in the past, when we got the RLP letter she walked out and disapeared for an hour and scared me half to death.

 

We cant afford £137 were potless as were both unemployed. weve kept on top of the bills but lately weve been cutting the food bill to do it. this is bad as im diabetic and my blood sugers are getting worse because of my poor diet. If I have to go on insulin then ill lose my HGV then ill never get a job. now for the first time in my life ive used my credit card knowing I dont have the cash to pay the bill when it comes. im gonna struggle to pay the minimum. Thats £80 for the police fine and now RLP want £137.

 

life sucks

[labrat]

dont pay the RLP notice.

 

get in touch with CAB and joncris

 

joncris knows alot about RLP, and after reading through the report the CABs been getting on at RLP about people who have medical conditions

[bigsteve0000]

Thanks labrat ive just sent jon a PM.

 

must admit I could do without this it seems like one thing after another lately,

[bigsteve0000]

forgot to mention that when my wife was taken to the police station they had intended to interview her and had even called a solicitor, while they waited for him they had what my wife discribed as a nurse?? come and see her. my wife had been in the cells a few hours at this point and I think the police were concerend with her behaviour, the nurse left the cell and talked with a police oficer and the solicitor at which point she says they changed their mind about interviewing and gave her a fixed penalty notice and rushed her out. A detective ( a copper in a suit the wife said) said not to worry about the recovery notice he would give them a call and clear it. either he didnt make the call or they dont care. The point been they decided they need a medical opinion and had a change of mind based on the result. would I be right in assuming they contacted debanhams and told them the final outcome re the wife.

[bigsteve0000]

I rang a local advice centre today, couldnt get through to CAB the line constantly engaged. I rang a place call Cherry Tree Advice & Information Centre in beverly. They gave me a phone number for the comunity legal services 0845 345 4345, They offer free legal advice to people ond certain benifits, its part of the legal aid system I think. based on advice from them I gave RLP a call and explaine the situation to them. they seemed very understandin and said to put it in writing and send a letter from the doctor re the wifes depression. I pointed out that I cant get her to leave the house at the moment as her nerves are that bad, She put it in writing and send it in and not to worry.

If I can get the wife to the doctors I will but if not ill send the box for her last lot of anti depressants.

 

Im hopeing this will be the end of it but the way things have been going lately I wont hold me breath

[bigsteve0000]

sent Rlp a letter explaining the situation and got a reply today saying their dropping the whole thing.

 

relieved dosnt cover it.

[JonCris]

This advice applies to ALL such circumstances irrespective of which retailers are involved

 

I realize it's a bit like closing the stable door cos most who come here have already fallen foul of CR but hey some may benefit Also cut & paste this onto the fridge door for all of the family to read as God only knows who will be next

 

If your accused here’s what you MUST & MUST NOT do

 

1st DO remain calm & try to avoid getting angry. Difficult though it may be be polite allowing them to have their say before responding, maintain the high moral ground by NOT being argumentative (remember the CCTV)

 

2nd If innocent DO maintain that position by stating at every opportunity “I deny the allegation(s)” or if you prefer “I didn’t do it gov”

 

3th If accosted outside the store and asked to return DO agree but as soon as you have entered stop & insist they deal with it there

 

4nd If accosted in the store DO NOT attempt to leave & this is most important when invited DO NOT go into their ‘little quiet’ office:eek: & although undoubtedly embarrassing remain exactly where you are, in sight of the CCTV, retail staff & public:)

 

5th DO NOT give your name & address to anyone other than a police officer & only then if the police officer asks the store staff to remove themselves out of earshot

 

6th DO NOT under any circumstances allow the shop staff to search you or your belongings & if involved a police officer does conduct a search request a notice explaining why & where it took place

 

7th Tell the police officer(s) you DO NOT wish them to give your details to the store whilst reminding them that the store can make a formal written request for the info (for which they’ll probably be charged £60 or more & of course it there's no caution, arrest or charge there'll be now't to give:D)

 

8th Despite the threats that we understand will be made & no matter how trivial they may claim it to be DO NOT under any circumstances sign anything or give any verbal undertaking:evil:

 

9th DO try & remember the names or physical details of all who are involved including staff who are nearby such as sales, checkout staff etc:)

 

10th If the police attend DO get the officers warrant card number The reason why you ask for the warrant card number is because his shoulder number might become redundant if/she moves to another area

 

11th If guilty say now’t without 1st getting legal counsel:wink:

 

Bumping

[JonCris]

sent Rlp a letter explaining the situation and got a reply today saying their dropping the whole thing.

 

relieved dosnt cover it.

 

Well done:D:D

[JonCris]

Post 1 updated in red

[JonCris]

Bump

[JonCris]

Update

This advice applies to ALL such circumstances irrespective of which retailers are involved

 

I realize it's a bit like closing the stable door cos most who come here have already fallen foul of CR but hey some may benefit. SO cut & paste this onto the fridge door for all of the family to read as God only knows who will be next

 

If your accused here’s what you MUST & MUST NOT do

 

1st DO remain calm & try to avoid getting angry. Difficult though it may be be polite allowing them to have their say before responding, maintain the high moral ground by NOT being argumentative (remember the CCTV)

 

2nd If innocent DO maintain that position by stating at every opportunity “I deny the allegation(s)” or if you prefer “I didn’t do it gov”

 

3rd If accosted outside the store and asked to return DO agree but as soon as you have entered stop & insist they deal with it there

 

4th If accosted in the store DO NOT attempt to leave & this is most important when invited DO NOT go into their ‘little quiet’ office& although undoubtedly embarrassing remain exactly where you are, in sight of the CCTV, retail staff & public

 

5th DO NOT give your name & address to anyone other than a police officer & only then if the police officer asks the store staff to remove themselves out of earshot

 

6th DO NOT under any circumstances allow the shop staff to search you or your belongings & if involved a police officer does conduct a search request a notice explaining why & where it took place

 

7th Tell the police officer(s) you DO NOT wish them to give your details to the store whilst reminding them that the store can make a formal written request for the info (for which they’ll probably be charged £60 or more & of course it there's no caution, arrest or charge there'll be now't to give

 

8th Despite the threats that we understand will be made & no matter how trivial they may claim it to be DO NOT under any circumstances sign anything or give any verbal undertaking

9th Although it may mean charges being laid & you may be threatened with arrest if you decline & if your innocent refuse both a FPN or a caution as they can cause complications when establishing innocence

10th If you do accept a FPN which should be without any admissions you must be prepared to apply for a trial

Please NOTE although it can’t be guaranteed & depending on the ‘evidence’ this sometimes leads to the matter being dropped for ‘insufficient’ evidence making the FPN or caution void. Nevertheless & no matter how good your case its a serious step as it could lead to a greater fine. Therefore as doing nothing could ruin your future you must make your decision whether or not to challenge in the cold light of day & certainly only after seeking proper legal advice

 

 

11th DO try & remember the names or physical details of all who are involved including staff who are nearby such as sales, checkout staff etc

 

12th If the police attend DO get the officers warrant card number The reason why you ask for the warrant card number is because his shoulder number might become redundant if he/she moves to another area

 

13th If guilty say now’t without 1st getting PROPER legal counsel

 

14th Guilty or notif asked to write a letter of apology to the store DON'T

Edited June 30, 2010 by JonCris

[Hammy1962]

Nice helpful post from JonCris.

 

I'll probably get much stick for this but also remember:-

 

Try not to walk out of a store with items you have not paid for, accidentally or not.

 

Don't change the price tickets on thing's you want to buy to get them cheaper etc.

 

Security folk are only doing a job, not a nice one granted, but it's a job. They, like us, are human. They don't make the policy, they only implement it.

 

The best way to avoid unwelcome attention is to try and not do anything that will draw attention to oneself.

 

And no...............I'm not perfect either!!

 

And no, again, I'm not unsympathetic to Mental Health issues, an elder Hamster, now sadly deceased, was accused in exactly the same way as bigsteve0000.

 

Be safe.

 

Hammy

Edited June 30, 2010 by Hammy1962

[bigsteve0000]

They, like us, are human.

Hammy

 

ive seen some that fit the discription of human in only the very loosest way

 

 

They don't make the policy, they only implement it.

 

Hammy

 

some of them seem to make it up as they go along, these people must be aware of the law yet a lot of them seem to abuse it buy claiming rights they don't have, my brother in-law and his wife are both retail security officers and were told their legal position at the beginning of their training and then trained to imply rights they don't have, to ask customers to do something in a way that makes them feel they have to comply. its up to them and their conscience what they do after trainings over.

 

As an HGV driver (when I'm working) I have all kinds of legal restrictions and responsibilities. its up to me to be aware of the laws and rules that apply and its my head if I don't.

 

 

And no, again, I'm not unsympathetic to Mental Health issues, an elder Hamster, now sadly deceased, was accused in exactly the same way as bigsteve0000.

 

Hammy

 

wasnt me was the wife although their are those who will argue im a nutcase.

 

 

 

Be safe.

 

Hammy

 

thanks ill try

Edited June 30, 2010 by bigsteve0000
sp

[hightail]

The best way to avoid unwelcome attention is to try and not do anything that will draw attention to oneself.

 

Such as?

[bigsteve0000]

Quote:The best way to avoid unwelcome attention is to try and not do anything that will draw attention to oneself.

 

The best way to avoid unwelcome attention is to try and not do anything that will draw attention to oneself.

Such as?

 

 

dont stick a large frozen turkey up your jumper, they spot you when you turn blue.

[JonCris]

if they are ONLY doing a job then they should be taught to do it correctly & they aren't Also the consensus amongst those who know far too many of them are aggressive, threatening & rude particularly when children or females are involved.

Edited July 2, 2010 by MARTIN3030
see below

[Hammy1962]

Clearly JonCris you have an issue with RLP, possibly the security industry as a whole.

 

However, as some of the other Hamsters in our family are employed in this industry I find it particularly offensive to see your reference to edit

 

As far as intimidation goes maybe you should try first hand experience of the verbal abuse the guards get whilst doing their job.

 

Hammy

Edited July 2, 2010 by MARTIN3030
As explained

[MARTIN3030]

Post edited following reports to site team.

I do personally however think JC is correct in what he says with exeption to the references edited,as its probably fair to say,do many others who have suffered at the hands of unscupulous security guards.

[bigsteve0000]

Post edited following reports to site team.

I do personally however think JC is correct in what he says with exeption to the references edited,as its probably fair to say,do many others who have suffered at the hands of unscupulous security guards.

 

 

post didnt need editing in my opinion, was a legitimate reference. PC wins again.

 

thats my opinion for what its worth (not a lot accordind to her in doors)

[MARTIN3030]

Where reported posts are made-they have to be looked at and acted on-there were 3 in this instance.

Nothing personal-theres no easy way of dealing unfortunately.

[bigsteve0000]

Where reported posts are made-they have to be looked at and acted on-there were 3 in this instance.

Nothing personal-theres no easy way of dealing unfortunately.

 

proably best its you sorting it out and not me. id let alsorts stay