QLD Shoplifting/Theft - Processes when no Police involved onsite

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Jslh

Active Member
10 April 2019
8
1
34
Hi all,

Context as below (noting I was 100% compliant at all times):
  • I shoplifted ~$90, exited Coles and was stopped around the corner by 3 people in plain clothing who identified themselves as Coles Security (I think. I was too shocked to listen carefully).
  • No badges were flashed (to my recollection) and no police were involved or called later.
  • We returned to Coles into a back room where they took my shopping bags to scan the total amount stolen. While waiting for the other 2 to scan the items, I asked the male of the process moving forward, which he advised:
  1. If the amount is <$50, they'll let me go and treat it as a warning
  2. If the amount is >$50, they'll report this to the Police and attach my receipt & CCTV footage where and Police will deal with the matter and I'll appear in court
The male waiting with me photographed my license & asked if I was at that address, which I was. No forms or statements/papers were offered to be signed.​
  • The 2 others returned and confirmed it was $93. The 1 male who waited with me advised me of the process again and said I could leave, and Police will contact me in ~2 weeks.
  • I asked how will the police contact me and the male was quite vague. He advised that they 'could' arrive at my doorstep, call me, or even pull me over while I'm driving.
I'd appreciate advice on:
1. How likely is it that Police will contact me after this occurence to be charged and sent for court hearing
2. Is there any general advice someone can give so I can prepare if its highly likely Police will followup on this?
3. If taken to court, how likely is it that I'll receive a criminal record?
4. Has anyone experienced something similar, and if so, what was the process/outcome?

Any advice would be appreciated. I understand and admit that this is unacceptable behaviour and will be obtaining help for my personal issues and behaviour.
 

Jslh

Active Member
10 April 2019
8
1
34
I'll also add that it was ~6PM at the time of occurence and I've never been charged for anything (apart from traffic/speeding tickets in the mail)
 

Adam1user

Well-Known Member
5 January 2018
577
33
2,219
Hi all,

Context as below (noting I was 100% compliant at all times):
  • I shoplifted ~$90, exited Coles and was stopped around the corner by 3 people in plain clothing who identified themselves as Coles Security (I think. I was too shocked to listen carefully).
  • No badges were flashed (to my recollection) and no police were involved or called later.
  • We returned to Coles into a back room where they took my shopping bags to scan the total amount stolen. While waiting for the other 2 to scan the items, I asked the male of the process moving forward, which he advised:
  1. If the amount is <$50, they'll let me go and treat it as a warning
  2. If the amount is >$50, they'll report this to the Police and attach my receipt & CCTV footage where and Police will deal with the matter and I'll appear in court
The male waiting with me photographed my license & asked if I was at that address, which I was. No forms or statements/papers were offered to be signed.​
  • The 2 others returned and confirmed it was $93. The 1 male who waited with me advised me of the process again and said I could leave, and Police will contact me in ~2 weeks.
  • I asked how will the police contact me and the male was quite vague. He advised that they 'could' arrive at my doorstep, call me, or even pull me over while I'm driving.
I'd appreciate advice on:
1. How likely is it that Police will contact me after this occurence to be charged and sent for court hearing
2. Is there any general advice someone can give so I can prepare if its highly likely Police will followup on this?
3. If taken to court, how likely is it that I'll receive a criminal record?
4. Has anyone experienced something similar, and if so, what was the process/outcome?

Any advice would be appreciated. I understand and admit that this is unacceptable behaviour and will be obtaining help for my personal issues and behaviour.

I have not been in similar situation but info is from reading on this site and the web: police will contact you, either by coming around or calling you (if you provided the contact number), you need a lawyer to assist. If this is your first criminal offense and it will depend on your situation: say if you are out of work and did that to eat is not the same as working and doing for the greed, the court will determine this at the hearing. Depending on your situation and the lawyer, you may get section 10 and not a criminal record. Explain everything to the lawyer and see what the lawyer will advise.

It is not worth doing this deed! Lesson learned the hard way!
 

Jslh

Active Member
10 April 2019
8
1
34
I have not been in similar situation but info is from reading on this site and the web: police will contact you, either by coming around or calling you (if you provided the contact number), you need a lawyer to assist. If this is your first criminal offense and it will depend on your situation: say if you are out of work and did that to eat is not the same as working and doing for the greed, the court will determine this at the hearing. Depending on your situation and the lawyer, you may get section 10 and not a criminal record. Explain everything to the lawyer and see what the lawyer will advise.

It is not worth doing this deed! Lesson learned the hard way!
Thanks for your insight Adam. No phone number was given, only my licence. I was concerned what would happen if they knocked on my door and I wasn't home (likely as I work). But if/when Police do contact me, I'll make sure I get onto a lawyer ASAP.
 

Adam1user

Well-Known Member
5 January 2018
577
33
2,219
Thanks for your insight Adam. No phone number was given, only my licence. I was concerned what would happen if they knocked on my door and I wasn't home (likely as I work). But if/when Police do contact me, I'll make sure I get onto a lawyer ASAP.

All contact will obtained from your licence info- including phone number (RMS in NSW). The will come and if you are not at home, they will let you know.
 

Jslh

Active Member
10 April 2019
8
1
34
Hey! Did the police ever make contact at all..?
Hey there, yes, as Adam anticipated. They’ll try calling first. If that fails, visit your place. If that fails, they’ll leave a card telling you to call them back. I ended up visiting the station after they left the card. The officer had a quick 5-10min conversation about the situation and gave me a ‘Notice to Appear’. I decided to plead guilty online and paid the fine plus offender levy equating to ~$500 all up.
 

Douglas

Active Member
11 May 2020
5
0
31
Hey there, yes, as Adam anticipated. They’ll try calling first. If that fails, visit your place. If that fails, they’ll leave a card telling you to call them back. I ended up visiting the station after they left the card. The officer had a quick 5-10min conversation about the situation and gave me a ‘Notice to Appear’. I decided to plead guilty online and paid the fine plus offender levy equating to ~$500 all up.


Hi there

Did you have to engage a lawyer or appear in court?
 

Jslh

Active Member
10 April 2019
8
1
34
Hi there

Did you have to engage a lawyer or appear in court?

Engaging a lawyer is up to you. A court appearance was required; if you don’t intend to fight against it then you have the option to plead guilty online and not have to go to the court hearing
 

S.camp4565

Well-Known Member
18 May 2020
23
2
129
Hey!

How did they get your number if you didnt give it to them?

I could be in a similar situation and im horried. Definetly lesson learned.