WA shop lifting under 18

[Ellen Toussaint]

I got caught shop lifting in a mall today and had stolen items from several stores, the value was around $400 (I know I'm stupid and I regret it so much, I regretted it as soon as I had done it even before I got caught). Security took my name, phone number and address as well as the clothing I'd stolen so that they could return it to the shops. He said it would be up to the shops to press charges (they're all large chain stores) and he let me leave. I am under 18 and want to know what is likely to happen now, I am so ashamed of myself, I have been struggling lately but it is no excuse for what happened.

 

[Adam1user]

I got caught shop lifting in a mall today and had stolen items from several stores, the value was around $400 (I know I'm stupid and I regret it so much, I regretted it as soon as I had done it even before I got caught). Security took my name, phone number and address as well as the clothing I'd stolen so that they could return it to the shops. He said it would be up to the shops to press charges (they're all large chain stores) and he let me leave. I am under 18 and want to know what is likely to happen now, I am so ashamed of myself, I have been struggling lately but it is no excuse for what happened.

Take this a very good lesson to learn. Shoplifting will not get you anywhere, you are young and have your whole life ahead, don't screw it up for some meaningless items. This will come to haunt you in the future when you don't need it. This is a general advice, as to your situation: $400 is no small amount and I do think the police will be involved, I am not sure. I never been in this situation and will never will be, but just from reading around these posts. All you can do now is wait and see. Nice feeling isn't it?