My friend got caught shoplifting, what should she expect?

1. 52

   so many regretsposted 8 years ago

   My friend got caught shoplifting, what should she expect?
   
   heres the story: about 4 months ago, my friend and I were both at sephora and she stole worth about $50 of items. one security guard stopped us and brought us to a hall and questioned why she stole. the only thing he asked for was age and ID. since she is a minor (14 years old) she showed him her gocard and that was all. the security guard did not ask for address, name, and didnt even call the parents! I was just wondering if we were in any trouble. we live in Canada as well. any help is appreciated!

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2. 95

   Alessio Ganciposted 8 years ago

   If they wanted to call the Police, maybe they would have done that the same day, so I think they only caught your friend's data in order to remember him in case he wants to steal again in that store: then they would not ignore this, and so they may call the Police.
   
   This is a common behaviour among stores in Italy, but I think the same can be applied abroad.
   
   However they still have the ability to report your friend to the Police, so the best thing you can do is going to the store, ask about what they want to do, and first of all, APOLOGIZE... because stealing is a crime, if your friend steals something, the damage is for other people who want to buy something, as prices will be higher (in order to repair the damages from a stolen item)... in addition, also store staff may fall in trouble if they do not adequately protect items from stealing, so did your friend think about this? Stealing from a store is unjustifiable, you damage other customers, and also potentially the staff of the store (if you steal something and the staff is unable to detect it, they may be fired because not able to protect enough the store)... would it be correct to do this, only in order not to pay $50?
   
   My suggestion is to apologize, however I think they are not going to call Police, the first times they only keep your data in case your friend wants to steals another time.
   
   Obviously, I hope you will tell your friend not to steal another time!

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3. 95

   Alessio Ganciposted 8 years ago

   Shoplifting is a serious crime, however some people do it as a stunt. Have you ever wondered what happens if you get caught shoplifting? Here you will find the answer. read more

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4. 52

   so many regretsposted 8 years ago

   hey its me again!! just wondering if this incident will show up for when she applies for any jobs in the future? will it show in background checks or criminal records even if the police were not involved? also will this affect her education (ex. applying for a scholarship or getting into college/university)? also when answering this question, please keep in mind this happened 4 months ago and she hasnt been contacted by the police or anything since then.

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   1. 58

      Jay Young1posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Not an attorney, but, I do have some experiance here. NO, to your question, " will it show in background checks or criminal records even if the police were not involved?"

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   2. 95

      Alessio Ganciposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      No, if your friend is not reported officially to Police, and especially, condemned by a judge, there will be no problems for any jobs in the future!
      
      I am pretty sure nothing has been made against your friend.

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   3. 52

      so many regretsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      should she be expecting a civil demand letter even though the security didn't say anything about it, nor even asked for address, number, parents etc?

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