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!

Very unfair and sarcastic comment

The CAB can do a full benefit check for her and make sure she is claiming everything she's entitled to. And advise her on other sources.

When you need more baby equipment or clothes, look on Facebook Market place, local groups and also FREECYCLE (everything is free.)
As long as you clean whatever you get, it's silly buying new.

You can also get books and toys from charity shops for next to nothing.

You can buy very good baby clothes from Vinted - big bundles for next to nothing.

A friend's daughter did this not because she was short of money but because it's not worth paying for new stuff when babies grow so fast.

Right, and her child’s face desperately needed moisturised too?

It'll be all Boots, not just that one although whether the staff will notice you is 50/50.

We had a board upstairs with photos of banned customers but I doubt I'd have recognised one unless they drew my attention.

Also be aware that if this store was part of a shopping centre, like all the stores under one roof, their shoplifters list is likely to be shared. Ours is. The board is in the common area where everyone goes through from the staff carpark.

So if someone is banned from stealing from Superdrug for example and then went into, say, HMV and was recognised from the known shoplifters board, they would be told to leave or at least followed by security.

Op I worked in retail years. Honestly this will all blow over because they haven’t reported you to the police. They may stick your picture up in the staff room or managers office (our store did this )and share it with other branches but they may not bother sharing your picture at all. So many pictures of different people get taken every day yours will be lost in the sea of faces within days! It’s the repeat offenders really that stand out the most. I hope that you can move on from this and that you can find another way to get what you need through the food banks ect and that things improve For you.

https://www.gov.uk/report-tax-fraud

Report your ex anonymously for tax evasion, as he's working cash in hand. Then apply for child maintenance so at least you're in the system. Don't make a casual maintenance claim with him, go through CMS.

https://www.gov.uk/child-maintenance-service

Don’t worry you won’t get prosecuted or banned from all boots they can’t do anything anymore they only prosecute where there is a pattern or violence has been used
I work in a supermarket and found myself using a food bank a couple of years ago due to some out of my control circumstances
x

Aw OP my heart is so full for you
I did this too when my DD was tiny, I robbed milk and nappies.
Please contact CAB or your local council and try and see if they’ll point you in the direction of a baby bank or some help
As long as the wait is try and make an application for social housing

Youve not got a record, things will get brighter and easier. I was you and there is no judgement from me 🧡 Be kind to yourself OP, it’s scary how things will take us if we are desperate

Oh OP I feel for you. There are far richer people stealing far bigger things than baby milk and moisturiser. Sending you some hugs.

Do you have a local baby bank anywhere nearby? Our local church runs one and they sometimes get baby milk and other really helpful items that you can take for free if you are struggling. Worth looking to see if there are any in your local area.

Thanks, when he took my picture he told me "this is just for facial recognition" or somthing like that. I was in such a rush to get out of the situation I wasn't really listening and it's abit of a blur

Since I started this thread someone sent me a link for baby banks and yes I managed to find one near me, thankyou

And thankyou to the people that have sent links

Lots of people who know nothing about shoplifting on this thread.
OP if you do not have a history of shoplifting, nothing will happen. No they will not pass your photo around all the shops, that only happens for prolific shoplifters. There are a lot of shoplifters.
When DP was caught shoplifting he just stayed out of the shop for 6 months, and then went back. No one recognised him or said anything.
And all these people saying to go a foodbank. Its not that easy. You need a referral, you have limited times you can go, and it is humiliating to act grateful for tins of beans and soup. And you won't get moisturiser no matter how dry your skin is.

This just makes me feel really sad 😢 I hope you’re okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

It is often stolen to sell.

Our community fridge usually has baby milk , see if there is one in your area , there a lifesaver for many

I think maybe you’re the one who doesn’t know. You’re thinking what happened to your boyfriend happens in every case, you couldn’t be more wrong.

Thabkyou, again this has made me feel abit better

Its humiliating and yes I did bring it all on myself. Noone else to blame but myself

Obviously I don't want to go into other shops and be on edge. But people seem to think I shouldn't even be worried about that. Of course I'm going to be!

Which is why I sent you this up thread

www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

Your image will be shared among the security that all stores have, you have to bear in mind that not all security is in uniform. Do you feel like you might be tempted again?

I can understand the milk for a baby but not the moisturiser that isn't essential. If you can't afford milk go and get a referral for a food bank.

Absolutley not after what happened today. But I live near city center and still would like to go shopping there for baby clothes etc

Sending you a hug - are you planning on going back to work at some point?

Yeah when baby is 1 years old

There are very few places that someone solely on benefits can rent. Most landlords won't accept unwaged people.

There's also the issue that moving is expensive, as well as disruptive and unsettling for a child, and six month old babies don't stay six months very long.