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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

accidentally walked out of food shop with items

82 replies

charlotte300 · 20/07/2016 16:48

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?

OP posts:
Owllady · 20/07/2016 17:11

Oh sorry you meant the security weren't more astute Blush they are generally not connected to the shop anyway. It's all contracted out

diddl · 20/07/2016 17:11

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

Isn't that why they took her picture?

Owllady · 20/07/2016 17:15

Even with a photo though, I can't see they'll know. You usually just know the regular offenders, the basket runners and the addicts.

I'm not trying to be flippant, but that is how it is, generally. The security are contracted, the same ppl are not there every day or even every week or month

SweetChickadee · 20/07/2016 17:15

It all sounds very heavy handed. Don't write and just don't go there again.

nanetterose · 20/07/2016 17:15

owl my astute comment was in relation as to why they didn't ' buy' the honest description of what happened .
It was so obvious .
Thinking about it,l 've had eye pencils fall through the basket...l have ended up just carrying them around .

Owllady · 20/07/2016 17:15

I missed about the photo btw :)

nanetterose · 20/07/2016 17:16

X post owl Smile

cherrytree63 · 20/07/2016 17:21

Apparently bigger stores have face recognition CCTV cameras. I've just had a similar experience, but I hadn't left the shop, but as I'd gone past the tills that was deemed shoplifting.
I've now got the infamous RLP on my case.

Original poster
charlotte300 · 20/07/2016 17:22

what that they took my photo?

OP posts:
Original poster
charlotte300 · 20/07/2016 17:23

RLP?

OP posts:
nanetterose · 20/07/2016 17:24

What kind of shop is it Charlotte?

Original poster
charlotte300 · 20/07/2016 17:25

a health food shop

OP posts:
nanetterose · 20/07/2016 17:26

Okay. Not vital then . Just forget about it (unless you feel stronger tomorrow that is)
There must be another shop that stocks similar bits?

SemiNormal · 20/07/2016 17:27

RLP? Retail Loss Prevention?

Original poster
charlotte300 · 20/07/2016 17:28

nanettrose - yes not vital I can go to another store for items Smile

OP posts:
practy · 20/07/2016 17:29

Don't go in for a bit, then go back. Nobody will remember you. Happened to my DP who was given a lifetime ban, and now shops there regularly.

OliviaStabler · 20/07/2016 17:32

You haven't done anything horrendous! It was a genuine mistake. I'm surprised those questioning you weren't more astute.

I worked in retail for years and the 'mistake' excuse is trotted out so often you become completely immune to it. If you had any idea how many people try to steal and the crap they try and say to justify, you'd understand.

We used to get a bonus based on takings, every theft threatened the money we would receive over and above our very basic wage. Yet we often got told by shoplifters they were 'doing no harm' as it 'is a big company, they can afford it'.

WhoTheFuckIsSimon · 20/07/2016 17:36

Most shops have a "banned shoppers photo board" in the staff room.

Flossiesmummy · 20/07/2016 17:37

I once walked out of M and S with two pairs of jeans over the handle of the pushchair. I only realised once I'd got to Monsoon and there they were. I ran back so fast to pay. I apologised so much at the till and the woman serving just shrugged. She said it happens all the time.

VeryBitchyRestingFace · 20/07/2016 17:39

Are you absurdly attractive, OP?

The cynic in me says those blokes have just got a name, address, DoB and photo out of you w/o taking the issue higher up within the store, let alone call the police.

maggiethemagpie · 20/07/2016 17:41

I think we've probably all done it. I put on a bracelet in H and M to try it nc,e forgot it was on and didn't realise until I was five minutes down the road. Luckily the staff didn't realise either.

I know it's not a nice experience but you are really, really lucky they did not call the police and prosecute, you may have lost your job had they done so. Try to look at it that way.

Goingtobeawesome · 20/07/2016 17:42

I would write to them and I would self ban myself from a shop that treats people like that.

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 20/07/2016 17:46

It was a a mistake, no police involved. The security guards were just wielding their power...

As others say... Do NOT write to them!! .... It will then create a paper trail and flag up you're a person they've banned...

Carry on shopping there if you fancy, I doubt very much they will recall you... They will have much bigger fish to fry... If you are stopped... Act innocent (ad you are!) and just say something on the lines of... Yes a tiny item fell through your shopping bag, and as soon as it was brought to my notice i paid for it.'

I wouldnt get involved in ANY convo with them!

nanetterose · 20/07/2016 17:47

In this case though, it is so blooming obvious what happened.
I wish they could look at the CCTV .

ailith · 20/07/2016 17:54

It was a genuine mistake and we are all allowed one or two, surely. Think they were being heavy-handed given that they rely on local custom. Had it been a big supermarket, I would have understood their response more.
I wouldn't think about it again given that you know you did not mean to take the item. I wouldn't go there again either. If they treat people like that, they do not deserve your custom.