accidentally walked out of food shop with items

[charlotte300]

Hi everyone

Has anyone every walked out with items in bag and not paid. The essential oil item was falling through the basket so I put it in my jute bag, continued to get vegetables etc. paid for them forgot the oil.

I did and security stopped me took me to a room asked for address, DOB took my picture said I had a life time ban - but if I write to them they will reconsider ?? 2 other security guys turned up took my picture (not police) I paid for this on the way out.

I am been feeling ill all week due to this - I am not a thief at all.

I work as a teacher and extremely worried about this.

For example - my daughters best friend tried on a ring - in a outdoor market - and forgot to give it back - she arrived back at ours and said what should I do??? I said take it back - which she did - I am sure this happens all the time - but now I am just so upset and the shop is only around the corner - any advice - should I write to them explaining everything ?? Has anyone ever had this happen to them at all?

[Palomb]

Had you actually left the shop when you were stopped?

[nanetterose]

I think you have been treated very badly by the shop . It is quite obvious what happened. I'd take it further. for the shock.

[charlotte300]

Yes I had left the shop

[charlotte300]

There were no police involved at all

[Owllady]

You don't need to be worried sick.
It was a mistake. If they've asked you to write explaining (which is novel) just do that. Presumably you've paid for it now?

[snorepatrol]

Don't panic I used to work in a shop and it's not theft unless you leave without paying.

That didn't happen you were stopped, reminded and paid.
The police weren't called so it can't affect your job.

I would not write to the shop as they have in writing what happened I would phone and ask for the manager. Explain how you have been a long term customer and that as you were ill and the product kept falling through the basket you put it somewhere safe and forgot.

[charlotte300]

yes paid for item

[acasualobserver]

Make an appointment to speak to the manager. Perhaps you can convince them that this was an honest mistake.

[Owllady]

Yes, don't write to them for above given reason
Just forget about it! :)

[snorepatrol]

To be honest though, if it was a localish shop you regularly use and know the staff I'd be a bit unhappy with the treatment to be honest.

[nanetterose]

op shouldn't have to convince anyone observer . It sounds like a couple of idiots got to handle her 'case' .

[charlotte300]

so because I actually paid for the item - this is resolved even though they said I had a lifetime ban - but to write to them explaining everything - then they would reconsider the lifetime ban

[DrDreReturns]

I almost did this today in a cafe. I normally go somewhere else where you pay when you order but today I went to a different establishment where you pay when you leave. When I'd finished I got up and started walking towards the door and about half way there I thought 'I haven't paid!'.

[powershowerforanhour]

Yes, I did it last week in the supermarket. Had baby in the carseat in one of those shallow trolleys, loaded the trolley around her. Paid at self checkout, was nearly out of the shop when I saw a bar of chocolate almost under the seat that I hadn't noticed. Went back to scan it.
Also walked out of Next a few years ago carrying a couple of shirts that I'd considered buying but decided not to. I was carrying a load of stuff and browsed for a long time after I'd picked the shirts up so forgot I had them. Was halfway down the shopping mall when I realised and ran back to the shop.
Could you ask them to check the CCTV, it might show the bottle slipping through the mesh which would back you up.
I bet loads of people have accidentally shoplifted.

[Owllady]

I bet they won't even know it's you

I used to be a retail manager and the one day I popped into work with my son and then left the staff to drop him off at school. As we were walking down the road I realised he was eating a family bag of quavers and had a twin mars in his pocket it's easy done

[cricketballs]

they didn't call the police so you won't have a criminal record. It is up to the shop who they allow in or not. It is quite reasonable for the shop to ban you as you had left the shop with an item you moved from your basket to a bag without paying for it.
If they let anyone who sent a letter back then they would very quickly get a reputation as an easy target for shoplifters.

[charlotte300]

its so easy to do this

[whirlwinds]

I have accidentally done so as well, especially when stressed or ill. Never intentionally shoplifted anything.

[charlotte300]

oh ok - so the lifetime ban is that - not for consideration - even with this restorative justice element of the security guy - this is just what they have to say ??

[nanetterose]

I wouldn't give them anymore of my money. Unless it is your only choice ,l would never go back.
I think you are still very shaken ,as it was an honest mistake. You haven't done anything horrendous! It was a genuine mistake. I'm surprised those questioning you weren't more astute.
Do these security people get any training with profiling?

[charlotte300]

yes whirlwinds agree

[Floggingmolly]

For God's sake don't write to them admitting you stole something!
You paid for the item; the police weren't called. So some "security" heavies took your picture... It was just to intimidate you. Forget about it, and about them, there is no proof it ever even happened.

[charlotte300]

thank you all for your responses - I will get over it - this element of chatting to lovely mums net people is so good therapy ! THANK YOU

[diddl]

Well you can see how it looked to them-item placed in own bag & not paid for.

I'd happily not shop there again tbh.

[Owllady]

Unless you are known to them or very distinctive looking, I can't see how they'll even know or remember

Lol at the more astute not shoplifting. You'd be surprised! Posh old men in wax jackets are the WORST. Cheese, pork chops etc anything pocket sized