son accidentally stole a wallet

moomoomama27

Marktheshark wrote: »

Is it worth the risk of them calling the police, some companies have a total zero Tolerance and will prosecute.

I would think very carefully here, he could end up down at the magistrates court on a theft charge.

Rubbish, at his age the most the police would do would be to use restorative justice, and that would be if he were caught there and then. Returning an item back to store wouldn't prompt the store to act.

My neice went through a terrible phase and stole over £100 of goods from shops in a stealing spree The police were called through shop watch, she was taken back to every store, made to return them, and the write a letter of apology to each shop, followed by a youth offenders meeting. She intentially set out to steal, and from major stores like Boots, New Look and Claires accessories.

duchy

What utter rubbish.

I've worked in retail -the chances of that happening are zero.
Theft is the intention to permanently deprive.....taking the item back clearly shows that was not the intention.

OP go in and ask to speak to a manager and just explain. Odds are you'll be thanked for you honesty- nothing bad will happen.

Marktheshark wrote: »

Is it worth the risk of them calling the police, some companies have a total zero Tolerance and will prosecute.

I would think very carefully here, he could end up down at the magistrates court on a theft charge.

tazzyb

Nothing will happen. What would be the point of wasting the time and money to take it further. It was a mistake and the item is being returned. They will be more shocked at the honesty rather then the fact he took it in the first place.

Marktheshark

duchy wrote: »

What utter rubbish.

I've worked in retail -the chances of that happening are zero.
Theft is the intention to permanently deprive.....taking the item back clearly shows that was not the intention.

.

Having sat on the "other side" for literally hundreds of shop lifting hearings, I can tell you, leaving a shop with "concealed goods" was about as "intentional" as it comes, then to be escorted back by a parent who has a shaggy dog tale about them finding it at home by accident.
By now all 3 sets of eyebrows on the bench would be up.

If the shop, understand fine, but don't expect the bench at the youth court to do the same, they have heard every excuse going.

Several retailers have absolute zero tolerance on this issue and will always demand prosecution.

The choice of a CRO is only offered if the retailer agrees, pick the wrong one and a trip to the local juvenile court could be on the cards .

iammumtoone

It is an honest mistake it is a shame that it is making him anxious. Can he afford the wallet? Maybe the best thing is to go back into the shop and just pay for it meaning no need for an awkward conversation with the shop assistant or trying to look natural whist return it to its place (if I were to do this I know I would look guilty lol). Just carry it normally into the store and head straight for the cash desk no one will notice anything odd.

I did this myself once. I hung some tops on the pram handle bars then went to the till to collect an ordered item. I stood there for 10 minutes whilst they looked for my goods and then just left the store - nobody said anything! It wasn't until I got to my car I noticed that I hadn't paid for the tops. I went back headed straight for the cash desk and just paid.

1DayAAT

Yep I think he has decided he will purchase it so will go up to the till and just buy it I think.

iammumtoone

Marktheshark wrote: »

Having sat on the "other side" for literally hundreds of shop lifting hearings, I can tell you, leaving a shop with "concealed goods" was about as "intentional" as it comes, then to be escorted back by a parent who has a shaggy dog tale about them finding it at home by accident.
By now all 3 sets of eyebrows on the bench would be up.

If the shop, understand fine, but don't expect the bench at the youth court to do the same, they have heard every excuse going.

Several retailers have absolute zero tolerance on this issue and will always demand prosecution.

The choice of a CRO is only offered if the retailer agrees, pick the wrong one and a trip to the local juvenile court could be on the cards .

Then what would you suggest, I am not saying it is but even if this is the case the son has to be taught that this isn't right and told to return it.

1DayAAT

I believe Marktheshark is trying to say that returning it may cause more trouble so the alternative (in his view) is just to keep it?

meritaten

um whats wrong with - I got home and found this wallet with my shopping? the shop will just take it and contact the owner. no blame no shame.

whitewing

meritaten wrote: »

um whats wrong with - I got home and found this wallet with my shopping? the shop will just take it and contact the owner. no blame no shame.

I think it was a new wallet that was for sale.