Hi All. My query relates to being caught shoplifting at Coles recently, value totalling about $60.00 AUD (I'm over 18 years old so know the youth law doesn't apply to me).
A regular staff member at checkout asked to check my bag just AFTER I paid for a few items using my bank card. I agreed to let her check my bag and she asked me whether I had a receipt for what I had in my bag - I said no and she called over a senior staff member who asked to check my bag and took everything I had out of my bag. A few details are vague as I was in shock and didn't really know what to say....
The senior staff member said the security guard saw me put food items into my shopping bag on camera which were not paid for. I did not admit guilt but was very compliant and approachable during this event.
No Police were called, No statement was signed, No ID was asked for, No security guard was present and I wasn't taken into the 'back room' either - the items were recovered and I left the premises as normal. I had not left the Coles store or shopping centre premises when the search and question took place.
The senior staff member simply said that if I had any questions to contact Security but obviously this has left me somewhat confused and worried. Can I be charged further using CCTV footage by the security staff after the fact (in NSW)? Also, as I used my bank card to pay for some items can they recover my personal information for further investigation?
On further reading the only information I found was on the POLICE NSW website saying that you cannot be arrested 'hours or days later' from shoplifting. Law Access NSW also had no advice to offer as I haven't been charged with anything (yet?).
Please help! Any answers or resources would be appreciated.
A regular staff member at checkout asked to check my bag just AFTER I paid for a few items using my bank card. I agreed to let her check my bag and she asked me whether I had a receipt for what I had in my bag - I said no and she called over a senior staff member who asked to check my bag and took everything I had out of my bag. A few details are vague as I was in shock and didn't really know what to say....
The senior staff member said the security guard saw me put food items into my shopping bag on camera which were not paid for. I did not admit guilt but was very compliant and approachable during this event.
No Police were called, No statement was signed, No ID was asked for, No security guard was present and I wasn't taken into the 'back room' either - the items were recovered and I left the premises as normal. I had not left the Coles store or shopping centre premises when the search and question took place.
The senior staff member simply said that if I had any questions to contact Security but obviously this has left me somewhat confused and worried. Can I be charged further using CCTV footage by the security staff after the fact (in NSW)? Also, as I used my bank card to pay for some items can they recover my personal information for further investigation?
On further reading the only information I found was on the POLICE NSW website saying that you cannot be arrested 'hours or days later' from shoplifting. Law Access NSW also had no advice to offer as I haven't been charged with anything (yet?).
Please help! Any answers or resources would be appreciated.
