Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft caught stealing;police too busy;what will they now do

[itsmeskc]

Suppose someone was caught by a retail store's loss prevention person walking out without paying for about 400.00 dollars of concealed merchandise. The person admitted and signed a form saying they stole the stuff and was expecting to be taken to jail (as they have been many times before for the same offense). After a couple of hours waiting detained, the manager and loss prevention guy come in to tell him he can go because the police called back saying they were too busy doing more important things (it was a friday night). What are the likely possibilities of what will come? Will it be the store giving the police the details and the police coming to arrest the person and /or first the DA picking up the charges and a warrant being issued, or will the matter only result in the retail store sending the thief a bill for the merchandise he tried to steal.
Someone said that since the police didn't come at the time the thief was detained and make a police report, that there was nothing they could now do. I believe that to be erroneous. The charges could still be filed and likely will, considering the thief has a 5 term prion rap sheet including petty thefts with priors, grand theft, commercial burglaries,etc..., or is he really off the hook on this one?

 

[disagreeable]

He will likely receive his ticket in the mail. He will also likely receive a demand notice from the retailer.

 

[shrinkmaster]

All the store needs to do is file a criminal complaint and the Police have until the statute of limitations expires (about one year) to arrest you. With dollar value so high (possible feliny) I would expect Police contact in near future. Your friend shoulds discuss this issue with NO ONE except his/her Attorney.

 

[CdwJava]

You were given the wrong information.

There exists no law in CA saying that the police cannot take a crime report if the suspect has left prior to their arrival. In fact, there is no requirement that the police arrest or even contact you prior to submitting cases to the DA requesting charges.

The state has one year to pursue charges against him.

His priors are not entirely relevant to the specific offense unless he has three or more prior convictions for theft offenses, or is a registered sex offender with one such conviction. This offense may be a felony for burglary if the state can show through the circumstances, statements, or other means that the suspect entered the business with the intent to commit the theft. Otherwise, so long as the value is under $950 this will be a misdemeanor petty theft.