I got caught shoplifting

[RoseBiscuitll]

I really didn't know what topic to choose for this

I'm mortified, I got caught shoplifting in boots today, I was stealing baby milk and a facial moisturiser. I'm so ashamed of myself. It was in the city center aswell. They didn't call police but they took my details, took a picture and told me I can't return to the store again

Will this picture and my details go around to the other shops near by or will it just go to the other boots shops.

I can't believe I was stupid enough to do this! I'm so embarrassed and also feel really guiltily!

They more than likely will share with other shops. Also a lot of towns have a radio system and all communicate via it. Other shops won’t ban you but they will keep an eye on you

What made you do it? Are you struggling financially? It’s done now and a lesson learnt to not do it again

Hi OP, I’m sorry you’re in this position, please reach out locally for food banks for baby milk, we have a few locally which can provide these and often see people asking on local FB pages for help, communities do rally round.

With regards to the photos I would assume local shops will all get the info if the shop is in a shopping centre or on a local high-street, I know in our local shopping centres they all are notified so they can “look out” but it doesn’t mean you can’t go into the other shops.

Are you ashamed of shoplifting, or ashamed because you got caught?

Both

Well, firstly, go and see your GP reception or child’s nursery or anywhere who can give you a food bank referral. There are also food banks which help without a referral. You obviously need the baby milk so get that sorted.

Now that you’ve been caught, you may have to avoid Boots stores but if the security guard from Boots sees you walking past in town, then they will radio the other security guards with your description and direction so they can keep an eye on you. They all share this stuff. They might not recognise you, or not see you so it won’t follow you much but there is always the chance that they will and you’ll be watched as you walk about the shops. That’s if they all have security at the door.

Thabkyou, I feel mortified

Are you ashamed that you resorted to stealing, or embarrassed because were caught? It’s good that you were caught, because had you not been it might have escalated until you did something to warrant a prison sentence.

The judgey pants can stay unhoiked, women taking milk are obviously desperate, hence the shop's response.

Was this stuff you needed, or was it for the thrill? I get the impression you might have done it more than once. You need to think about why. And as others have said, get a food bank referral if if it was for need.

I'm going to avoid city center for a while, and hopefully they don't recognise me, (not so I can do it again) but so I'm not being watched and on edge

Not always, it's a very frequently stolen item for resale.

Security teams in cities/ shopping malls do share information and work together to reduce shoplifters.

As another poster said, you aren't banned from the other shops but they will have had details.

They have or used to have vouchers for health and nutrition from the government.
I'd like to think they still do them.
Don't pile on the OP, guys, come on, it's obvious she wants to feed her child and doesn't have enough.
My friend used to do the same in asda and hid the formula under a blanket in the trolley.
I hope you get the help soon xxx

What do u mean the shops response.. them letting me go you mean?

God above. If there is the slightest, tiniest chance that this poster stole because they were desperate to feed their child then they are worth treating with kindness and compassion. We do not walk in each other's shoes, I'd rather go straight to empathy than judgement any time, even at risk of being made a fool of.

Assuming you did it because you needed to and not for profit to sell on or the thrill of it, then I'm sorry you're in this situation.

Please contact local services like your GP, health visitor or a local charity/food bank - they are there to help people in your situation, some may be able to help more with finances and budgeting, or if this is the result of DV, or financial abuse.

The practical situation (if I'm reading it right) is that you needed baby milk and you cannot buy some - so that has to be your priority right now, sourcing that.

Best of luck x

The milk was needed yes

Was the moisturiser though? 0r were you just on a roll at that point? Do get a food bank referral rather than do it again.

You may well qualify for early start vouchers. It's not a huge amount but can be put towards formula x

Sorry that was meant to be healthy start vouchers https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/

I’ve had some shitty times where desperation has sent the thought across my mind so I’m assuming you must be struggling a lot in some way. I think you should go to your GP and tell them, they can help you with your mental health and hopefully direct you to some local food banks.

I very much agree. Let's hope the self riteous ones are never in this situation.

Get in touch with your Health visitor, or ring your Doctors surgery, and explain that you need milk for your baby ASAP. They will help you. Do that, instead of worrying about being seen in the Town Centre, that is not a priority right now.

Of course this was wrong (you know this) but you must be desperate if you cannot afford baby milk. Please contact your doctor or children's centre, they will be able to refer you to places where you can get help with this. They will not let your baby starve. Are you unemployed? They may be able to point you in the direction of places that can help.