Was arrested for shop lifting

runningbuddy · 19-07-2023 1:00pm #1

apologies, probably not the right forum. I am in my mid 50s and have never, ever come to Garda attention before. I have been under a huge amount of pressure and extremely menopausal (no excuse, I know). I went to my local supermarket, where I have been going for 30 odd years. Big chain. Will not name. I spent approx. €60 on small groceries. When I left. Security guard came after me and told me to "come with me". I had no idea what was going on. He said I had goods in my trolley I had not paid for and he said he has been watching me for months and knows I shop lift !. I was in total shock. I was brought into the office and under my bags were items, quite a lot which were under the huge shopping bags. One of these items was an headset which I was buying for a gift. I had the shopping bags over these items. I was absolutely morfified but security called Gardai. I asked Security guard what he meant by me shoplifting in the past and he said "he knows I have been" (I know absolutely, I have not but now paranoid) yes, I know all "guilty people" say the same. ! Two Gardai arrived and they arrested me. I was in total shock. I was brought to local station for processing. I kept asking the Gardai what would happen and he said he did not know but I could call a solicitor. I then met the Sergeant for processing. He said I would be issued with what is called an "Adult Caution". I was let home after 3 hours and was told to await a call from the Inspector and I would then speak to him. Lads, I am numb with shock....honestly, in my 50 odd years, I have never, ever been in trouble.....where do I go from here??

freshpopcorn · 19-07-2023 1:06pm

Double post

looksee · 19-07-2023 1:08pm

Go and see your GP.

Try and have someone with you when you go shopping.

Be very aware of what you are doing when you are putting things into your trolley and putting them through the checkout, make sure there is nothing under or hidden by your bags.

You seem to have been given a second chance, take it.

freshpopcorn · 19-07-2023 1:09pm

These thing happen OP.

Talk to your Solicitor about the legal side of it but it sounds fine.

I wouldn't go to that shop again or others in the chain for now.

Talk to your GP.

Your not a master Criminal.

Don't let it knock yourself go out and enjoy life.

DamianLong1234 · 19-07-2023 1:09pm

Did you leave the store without paying for some of the items?

HildaOgdenx · 19-07-2023 1:16pm

Mod - Moved to Legal Discussion where it is more suited.

Local charter now applies.

Hilda

runningbuddy · 19-07-2023 1:17pm

Thank you everyone. Have tried to see my GP but a huge waiting list (no surprise there). Looksee, I am always so thorough as lately, I have been very distracted (perhaps worryingly so), therefore I double check. I was in a mad rush to get back to work yesterday so I just didn't check at all. The Security Guard said he "knows I am a shoplifter"....that is really upsetting me as I am now imagining all sorts.....does he have footage of my going back months where I might have left without paying in an absolute haze??? Which I cannot imagine doing so but am all over the place now.

Damienlong. Yes, I had just stepped outside the store

Kimbot · 19-07-2023 1:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120870828#Comment_120870828

You got an adult caution so no more will really come of it. Just be mindful going forward when in shops that sometimes things can move around in the trolley and become obscured from view. Security guard might have just said that he seen you previously just to scare you so I wouldnt worry about it.

runningbuddy · 19-07-2023 1:36pm

Thanks kimbot. I am worried about my job. I work in Legal and Compliance (the irony). What if they find out?

Kimbot · 19-07-2023 1:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120870955#Comment_120870955

Well you got a caution not a prosecution so I think youll be okay with them too :) its an honest mistake that can happen anyone, you have owed up to it so its not like you are a serial offender :)

KaneToad · 19-07-2023 1:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120870955#Comment_120870955

I wouldn't worry. You received an adult caution. That's the end of it. Nobody will find out in any official way.

Not speaking about you. But, in general, shoplifting can occur with some people for reasons other than financial difficulty. The behaviour can be a substitute for other problems and can be a means to fill a void. In those cases a GP would be able to assist.

runningbuddy · 19-07-2023 1:49pm

Thanks kimbot. I may be watching too many true crime documentaries !

rob316 · 19-07-2023 2:02pm

Happened to me OP. I was shopping with the kids, I put a bottle of wine and a couple things into the bottom of my buggy as I always do. I had other stuff in my hand, went to checkout paid for the stuff in my hand forgetting the bits in the buggy. The went easy on me as I had kids with me, Guards were called, said it happens alot don't worry about it, you will be officially cautioned and need to present to the station later.

It was more humiliating than anything and the store manager calling me a "thief" was the worst part.

runningbuddy · 19-07-2023 2:27pm

Yes it's the humiliation rob316. When you presented to the station later, what was that about? When I left Garda station last night, they told me Inspector would call me in a few days and I would then go in and see him.

Garibaldi? · 19-07-2023 2:41pm

I would try to put it behind me. A lot of people are stopped with items they haven't paid for. How are the security staff to know who is guilty or just forgetful? Shops lose a lot of money because of shoplifting.It's probably store policy to give people a good fright even though they are not going to prosecute. You know it was an accident and that's what counts. I bet quite a few shoppers have experienced an incident like yours.

Andrea B. · 19-07-2023 3:21pm

The back of my dad's hands were written reminders and lists.

Now, at that age I am doing the same. Sometimes I have a small panic attack feeling that I have forgotten something critical or to pay for something.

Last week, for first time, I left the lid and cover off after a car fill.

Make small rules. In this case only one, write it on your hand if necessary, never pass the till unless the trolley completely empty.

Don't be upset. They had to follow the rules and you got lightest end of the stick.

wildwillow · 19-07-2023 3:25pm

Put nothing in the basket or trolly except shopping. Just bring your money or card and then you won’t be distracted by bags. Leave the big handbag at home. Hang your reusable shopping bags from the hook in the trolly or hold in your hand if using basket.

Avoid that shop as you will be nervous and distracted there.

It must have been very upsetting but you must put it behind you and learn from it.

kennethsmyth · 19-07-2023 3:31pm

One other thing, when the security guy said come with me they don't have any power to detain you. Up to you to decide if you want to continue walking on.

suvigirl · 19-07-2023 3:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871458#Comment_120871458

That is not correct.

Section 4 Criminal Law act 1997

Jim2007 · 19-07-2023 3:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120870955#Comment_120870955

Well if you work in legal and compliance, I expect you know the career limiting consequences of even a caution if it becomes known and that staff in legal and compliance are looked at more closely.... You have had a very close call, so get medical advice, be careful when you go shopping etc... and honestly, if you find a good career move within your employer's organisation, give it consideration.

runningbuddy · 19-07-2023 4:26pm

Thank you everyone. Jim2007. I asked the Sergeant about this and he said that there will be no record of this. If I ever changed jobs etc....it would never come up. Only if I was charged

Bridget Clarke · 19-07-2023 4:43pm

Good lord, OP, that is the stuff of nightmares. At the risk of having rotten eggs thrown at me, I'm going to quote Mr Tubridy..... Be Kind (to yourself). As suggested by others, I'd give that particular shop a swerve for the foreseeable and more than likely, you have been given such a fright, that is one 'senior moment' you won't be repeating ever again. Mind yourself. BC

redunited · 19-07-2023 4:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871484#Comment_120871484

True, but should that arrest be wrong, then you can be charged with false arrest and imprisonment, not to mention damages against a person's good name and standing should that arrest be wrong.

It's also hardly ever used because of these reasons, what will the person attempting to arrest do next, physically assault them to force that arrest?

That is why you are asked to go with a security guard, not that you are under arrest.

wotzgoingon · 19-07-2023 4:47pm

That's the oldest trick in the book. I never knew that item was there....

Beefcake82 · 19-07-2023 4:48pm

It might be worth trying to do shopping online and having it delivered for the time being to give you space from shops to get evaluated by your GP. Many of the major shops do home delivery.

baldbear · 19-07-2023 5:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871075#Comment_120871075

Jaysus. Why didn't they just say pay for the items and that's it. Bang out of order.

suvigirl · 19-07-2023 5:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871753#Comment_120871753

I'm sure we are all aware of what can happen as a result of false arrests.

It is used every day. Just because they don't say the words, that is what they are doing.

FrancieBrady · 19-07-2023 5:39pm

The claim that you were a shoplifter would annoy going forward, if it was me.

Maybe one of the legals here would know if you are entitled to ask for any data held on you by the store?

kennethsmyth · 19-07-2023 5:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871753#Comment_120871753

This. No security guard will detain you unless they are 100% sure and only if there seems to be a danger to property or person. Otherwise they know to let the person go if they continue on their way.

kennethsmyth · 19-07-2023 6:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871484#Comment_120871484

And that is disingenuous as all persons can make an arrest, however it almost never happens as if in anyway wrong or if the detained person is assaulted there will be big repercussions. Nobody especially security guards that are trained will detain anyone unless 100% sure or there is danger to another person (ie an assault is taking place)

suvigirl · 19-07-2023 6:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872019#Comment_120872019

Obviously they have to be 100% sure, it states that in the legislation. In this case the security guard was 100% sure and correct and had every right to stop the OP.

suvigirl · 19-07-2023 6:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871940#Comment_120871940

Well, she is now a shoplifter.

On topic, OP, you will receive a caution, that is the end of it.

kennethsmyth · 19-07-2023 6:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872131#Comment_120872131

He can "ask" to stop, if he lays a hand on her it can be considered assault. He needs all his ducks in a row and a perfect "reasonable" amount of force used. Security guards are trained not to hold onto someone in these circumstances - they will lose their jobs if case is taken against the sho.

kennethsmyth · 19-07-2023 6:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871755#Comment_120871755

Yep which is why normally the shop just bars the person going forwards - no need to explain or make inference that they are thiefs as they could be brought up on a defamation case.

wotzgoingon · 19-07-2023 7:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872146#Comment_120872146

Just to throw out numbers the biggest number of shop lifters are middle age and older women, as they know they will get away with it if caught by just saying I never knew that item was there.

893bet · 19-07-2023 7:31pm

And it just happened to be multiple items under the bag including the the most expensive item that was under the bags…..anyway move on and take the lesson.

munster87 · 19-07-2023 7:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120871075#Comment_120871075

This store manager sounds a bit mad. Sounds like there was no need for that carry on. Even in a genuine case the public ‘thief’ branding is a bit much…imo

SEPT 23 1989 · 19-07-2023 8:05pm

If I had spent 30 years shopping in the same local place spending my money and that happened to me I would explode

the shop owner wouldn’t be to happy either

wotzgoingon · 19-07-2023 8:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872468#Comment_120872468

So what are you admitting you also shop lift. Leaving the most expensive item you are buying plus more hidden and not pay for them.

You would explode? There is a name for people like you who are entitled. KAREN.

HazeDoll · 19-07-2023 8:25pm

Here's what I would do in that situation.

I would never set foot in any branch of that chain again, and I would tell people why. Just chatting to people, I would tell the story and tell them how the experience affected me.

Nobody who knows you will believe for a second you deliberately stole anything.

I absolutely guarantee you that plenty of people you know have nearly done the same thing, or have arrived out at the car to find a jar of mayonnaise under the shopping bags that hadn't been paid for.

I know a very respectable lady who has had the guards pull up at the house, having traced her car registration. She had left a petrol station without paying and she was absolutely mortified. Her technique was to take the shame from the situation and turn it into an anecdote with herself as the butt of the joke.

The worst part of her story is that the young man who was working in the petrol station and called the guards was a past-pupil of hers.

Witcher · 19-07-2023 8:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872541#Comment_120872541

The worst part of her story is that the young man who was working in the petrol station and called the guards was a past-pupil of hers.

How is that the worst part of the story? What was the young lad meant to do?

HazeDoll · 19-07-2023 8:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872563#Comment_120872563

Because it made it even more embarrassing.

Obviously.

suvigirl · 19-07-2023 8:40pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872541#Comment_120872541

How is that embarrassing. It literally happens every day. People drive off without paying, some forget, some do it on purpose. The petrol station obviously report it. What would you expect to happen?

HazeDoll · 19-07-2023 8:43pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872592#Comment_120872592

OK.

suvigirl · 19-07-2023 8:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872141#Comment_120872141

I understand security companies being terrified, and so scared That they're afraid to do their jobs.

That doesn't mean it's not the law. If anyone sees anybody committing an arrestable offence and believes they are going to avoid gardai, then they can stop them and hand them over to gardai.

That's the law.

FrancieBrady · 19-07-2023 8:59pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872592#Comment_120872592

Being told you have been shoplifting for months doesn’t happen everyday. Forgetting once does.

That is what I would want to know about and what proof they have.

suvigirl · 19-07-2023 9:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872676#Comment_120872676

I would think they have zero proof of else they would have done something before now. It doesn't matter though, because now she is a shoplifter from that shop. Best thing Just to stay away

Guffy · 19-07-2023 9:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872603#Comment_120872603

Having worked in a petrol station it literally does. The only reason the guards called to the door was because her number wasn't on PULSE for them to phone her.

runningbuddy · 19-07-2023 9:14pm

security guard didn’t lay a hand on me but his comments were very odd. He said he knows i have been shoplifting for months has me really on edge. I know I haven’t obviously but it has made me so paranoid and doubting / questioning myself. I’m all over the place. I just feel so ashamed worried.

HazeDoll · 19-07-2023 9:16pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872713#Comment_120872713

Do you want me to agree with the assertion that being accused of stealing by the guards isn't embarrassing? Or do I need to patiently explain that the person who had this experience found the whole thing mortifying?

My post didn't suggest the young man was at fault. I wouldn't have liked to have been in his position either. It's a bit odd that a few of you are fixating on that part of the story though.

FrancieBrady · 19-07-2023 9:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120872702#Comment_120872702

If it were me and they made that accusation without proof I’d be contacting a solicitor.

If ‘forgetting’ is plausible, and it is, everyone is capable of ir, then that guy throwing the accusation in the mix was the cause of the caution.

Was arrested for shop lifting

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