Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifting Incident

[mybentley]

This is my first post and I'm still a bit shaken up by the incident that occured yesterday but I will try to be succinct. I went to a boutique located in a small strip center where I have shopped before. While shopping, the salesgirl went to the back of store and the owner came back with her. She stayed there while I looked around and it struck me as odd. After about 10 minutes a police officer entered the store, spoke to the two women and then walked up to me. He asked me to step outside with him and I did.I asked him what this was about and he said I was suspected of shoplifting, then asked to look in my purse. I promptly gave it to him, knowing there was nothing stolen in it. Realizing that this was a bad situation, I asked for my phone to call my husband and made a motion to get it (by this time he could clearly see there was no merchandise in it) He grabbed my wrist and started speaking threateningly to me, saying he would take me to the police station if I didn't cooperate. He then took my purse from me and went back into the store while I sat outside shaking like a leaf. He came out again, asked for my ID and said that he had been called because the store owner said I (or someone that looked like me)had previously stolen lip gloss according to video surveillance. I gave him my wallet. When he returned he was much calmer and even concillatory, saying he was just doing his job. He said he had given my info to the store owner and that they might have a detective follow up on the situation.
I am a small framed woman in my late 40's and can't imagine the officer ever felt threatened by me, especially when he saw I had nothing in my bag. Is this just normal procedure? Also, what can I expect if a detective calls me? I live in Texas. Thanks for your help.

MB

 

[jacksgal]

You made a move the Officer felt was threatening. You could have been reaching for a weapon! He acted properly. However you might consider talking to stores corporate office about the detainment and fact nothing was found on you. You can also question some Attorneys to see if you "might" have an actionable case although that would be slim

 

[mybentley]

I hadn't thought about the weopon angle since he had gone through my purse and saw all of the contents...Im sure you are right,though. What should I do if a detective calls re. a past surveillance video? Can I be charged with a crime based on that?

MB

 

[jacksgal]

If you are seen/IDed commiting a theft yes. Now we are not the jury or the Judge here but could there be film of you taking merchandise? If so you should talk to an Attorney before the Detective calls you back

 

[mybentley]

Yes there is a good chance. I haven't slept all night and am about to call the owner and see if we could meet. I can't take the weight of my conscience and just want to make things right.Not a good idea?

 

[jacksgal]

Ok so you did steal. Do not contact the store or police. Contact an Attorney tell him what you did and when you are contacted by Police to come in bring your Attorney or have your Attorney arrange surrender. If requested. Do not answer any questions without your Attorney present.

 

[mybentley]

Thank you so much for your time. I'll do exactly as you suggested.

MB

 

[jacksgal]

You may get lucky and video doesnt have clear enough view or you cant be IDed positivily however better to be prepared. If nothing comes of this consider it a warning and to not repeat the action. A theft conviction can ruin your chances at certain jobs, promotions etc. By the way even if no criminal charges are filed the store can still seek Civil Demand. My advice is pay it the consequences can be very costly if you dont

 

[mybentley]

I appreciate your advice this morning and have been in contact with my atty. I did not mention to him that I sought your advice first...is the content of this forum considered safe or privileged? I'm guessing so but didn't want to drop another "bomb" on him today. People joke bout your profession but I have yet to meet an attorney that did not take his cases/clients very seriously and compassionately.

MB

 

[jacksgal]

The content of this site is public and can be found with a simple google search. Be sure to show your Attorney your posts here

 

[mybentley]

Understand that but e-mail adresses/identities are private, RIGHT???

MB

 

[jacksgal]

If you choose to yes however it does not take much info to figure out who someone is. Please printout this thread and show your Attorney

 

[mybentley]

Guessing is one thing but having your identity protected is another. When people register that is the impied understanding. What am I missing here?

 

[jacksgal]

What I am trying to say is your identiy is not as private as most think. Maybe here you might be ok but do you same user name elsewhere? Have you made public comments about your post here? Have you posted "any" small detail that can ID you? My husband uncovers people who do wrong via the internet all the time its not hard. Just be sure to show your Attorney your posts here so he can better defend you and there are no surpises

 

[jacksgal]

This is my first post and I'm still a bit shaken up by the incident that occured yesterdayWe now know time frame) but I will try to be succinct. I went to a boutique located in a small strip center where I have shopped before. While shopping, the salesgirl went to the back of store and the owner came back with her. She stayed there while I looked around and it struck me as odd.If either the salesperson or owner read this they will know its you) After about 10 minutes a police officer entered the store, spoke to the two women and then walked up to me. He asked me to step outside with him and I did.I asked him what this was about and he said I was suspected of shoplifting,If the Officer reads this and there are Law Enforcement on this site he can ID you) then asked to look in my purse. I promptly gave it to him, knowing there was nothing stolen in it. Realizing that this was a bad situation, I asked for my phone to call my husband and made a motion to get it (by this time he could clearly see there was no merchandise in it) He grabbed my wrist and started speaking threateningly to me, saying he would take me to the police station if I didn't cooperate. He then took my purse from me and went back into the store while I sat outside shaking like a leaf. He came out again, asked for my ID and said that he had been called because the store owner said I (or someone that looked like me)had previously stolen lip gloss according to video surveillance. I gave him my wallet. When he returned he was much calmer and even concillatory, saying he was just doing his job. He said he had given my info to the store owner and that they might have a detective follow up on the situation.
I am a small framed woman in my late 40'sPartial ID of yourself) and can't imagine the officer ever felt threatened by me, especially when he saw I had nothing in my bag. Is this just normal procedure? Also, what can I expect if a detective calls me? I live in Texas.Now know state) Thanks for your help.

MB

These are small things but could be used to ID you

 

[jacksgal]

You start your own thread so that the person who started this one can get the answers he needs