Shoplifted by accident, should I take it back?

[guiltymind]

Been on holiday for half term with kids. We went to a shop that is unique (there isn't one near us for about 100 miles). We were looking at some things, and I put something on the buggy (about 10 pounds). I was fully intending to pay for it but then 2 year old DD started to have a tantrum and I had to rush out of the store. It was only when I got back that I emptied the buggy and found that I still had it! I feel incredibly guilty, someone please tell me what to do....

If it's not too far away, go back and explain and pay for it. If it's super far away, call them up and pay over the phone. If you just hold on to it and do nothing, you're a thief.

Ring them, explain, and pay over the phone by card.

I've done this before. I called them, apologised profusely and paid for the item over the phone by card. If I hadn't been able to pay over the phone for some reason I would have gone back.

Do as above. Or post it back with a letter of aolopgy.

Apology

What Whatslovegottodo said. Ring them, explain, and pay over the phone by card.

Call and pay over the phone

Yes - ring them and pay over phone

I once hung a bag I was considering buying over my arm in H&M and then discovered it still there in M&S...I was completely panicked and rushed back to hand it over and face the consequences over dramatic much? . The shop assistant looked baffled and clearly thought I was barmy.

Just give them a call and explain.

If you pay for the items now, you will feel better and you will also reaffirm a little of their faith in human nature.
You know you want to......

Forget about it.

Yep. I would forget about it too tbh

I've done this once. I took it back to the shop.

I also tell shops/cafes when they have accidentally undercharged me.

Yep, phone and pay by card. Apology and explanation of tantrum, obvs.

I'd forgot about it

Send them a cheque if they can't take card payment over the phone?

Call them and pay for it - guilt gone.

My toddler put something in the bottom of the buggy once (value £25) and it was 2 months before I had chance to return it to the shop!

Definitely return it or pay for it

Is your name Cassandra Smith? [Grin]

Give them a call. It sounds like some independent shop too, not that I'm saying you should keep it from big business

CompanyOfCats

OP give them a call and pay over the phone :)

Lol @Cassandra Smith CompanyOfCats

Whatever it is, the value of the goods is way less precious than your personal integrity. You can't buy that for love nor money.