Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft What are the chances I will be found and arrested?

[Innocentgirl95]

I stupidly took clothing off a rack that a store had outside on the sidewalk in front of the store and walked to my car and drove away, but I think a random pedestrian noticed me- possibly memorized my licence plate (I didn't see her write anything down or take a picture), and then went into the store to alert the staff, is it likely I will be found and arrested ?
I feel awful and I want to go take it all back but Im afraid of the possibility that maybe Im just paranoid and they didn t noticed me stealing/get my licence plate/call the police/etc, but if I go back there to return it I will be screwing myself by bringing it to there attention and they will now call the police if they hadnt already. I'm pretty sure the shopping plaza doesn't have any cameras in the lot, and I never set foot in the actual store so I don't know if the stores cameras could have seen me out on the sidewalk. I live in California, I have no criminal record, and it was all off the three dollar and under rack. What possibilities are there? What are the odds of me getting caught? What happens if I am caught? and what should I do moving forward in this situation??(aside from never doing something like this again)
My biggest question is if I'm going to be arrested for this or if I got away with it? Do you think they will pursue and find me ?

 

[Betty3]

There is no way for us to know if the woman got your license plate # for sure & notified store staff. If she did, the store "most likely" will contact the police. (& the police will contact you)

If you are arrested, you need to get a lawyer & talk only to your lawyer.

 

[army judge]

I stupidly took clothing off a rack that a store had outside on the sidewalk in front of the store and walked to my car and drove away, but I think a random pedestrian noticed me- possibly memorized my licence plate (I didn't see her write anything down or take a picture), and then went into the store to alert the staff, is it likely I will be found and arrested ?
I feel awful and I want to go take it all back but Im afraid of the possibility that maybe Im just paranoid and they didn t noticed me stealing/get my licence plate/call the police/etc, but if I go back there to return it I will be screwing myself by bringing it to there attention and they will now call the police if they hadnt already. I'm pretty sure the shopping plaza doesn't have any cameras in the lot, and I never set foot in the actual store so I don't know if the stores cameras could have seen me out on the sidewalk. I live in California, I have no criminal record, and it was all off the three dollar and under rack. What possibilities are there? What are the odds of me getting caught? What happens if I am caught? and what should I do moving forward in this situation??(aside from never doing something like this again)
My biggest question is if I'm going to be arrested for this or if I got away with it? Do you think they will pursue and find me ?

Whatever happens, the LESS you say the better off you'll be.

At this point, it's her word against yours.

All you have to do if the police approach you is stand on your RIGHT to remain SILENT.

Be polite, but be firm and give only your name, address, and date of birth.

Then say under the advice of your attorney, YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN SILENT.

 

[shrinkmaster]

A customer seeing the theft and taking your plate will not likely suffice for arrest. I work in the Retail theft field and its not the norm to seek prosecution based on testimony from customers. Now if there are cameras outside that might have caught the theft then yes its possible sometime within next year you could be arrested. Its also possible store could detain you if you return. As stated above at this point you should both stay away and stay quiet.

 

[cbg]

The answers here are not going to be any different than those on the three threads you posted on the other forum. You CAN be pursued, arrested and charged. This forum doesn't have a crystal ball to know if you WILL be pursued, arrested and charged any more than the other one did. I say again, don't steal and you won't have to worry about such things.

And I find your screen name to be somewhat ironic.