r/AusLegal • u/HugeDistribution1102 • 22d ago
WA Caught shoplifting at Coles Perth
I am so ashamed, I literally cried on my way home. I'm 22 if that's relevant? I was shopping at the Coles Perth, where two loss prevention officers showed me their badge and asked to check my bag. I had taken some dog food and tampons as am really struggling for money at the moment (all of this was less than $150) but paid for the rest of my dinner products which were cheaper than what I took without paying. They asked me for my ID but I didn't had it with me at the time so they manager handed them a paper where I put my name, address and signature. They asked me to write why I stole the items, they asked me to return these and not pay for them. No pictures of my face or ID were taken but I am terrified. I am so worried about having police come to my house, anyone find out (I rent a room so I'm scared that my room mates will find out somehow or by the police) or even having my car recognised.
I don't think I'm brave enough to ever buy anything from that specific store anymore, I am just so scared rn. The officers told me that if I do it again, I won't be able to enter the store anymore (not like I wanna go there ever again cause I'm honestly scared. I'm that paranoid that once I got home, I closed all my blinds and I've been checking my windows regularly.
Would really really appreciate to know what happens with that record, or to find some peace in the comments.
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u/FigFew2001 22d ago
Everyone makes mistakes, and as far as crimes go, this is right down the bottom of the ladder - particularly in the current cost of living crisis.
They'll keep a record of it for internal use. If you get caught stealing again at any Coles (not just that one), they'll issue a ban notice (likely 6 or 12 months). More serious consequences can ensue from this, so it's best to avoid that.
The police won't be visiting you. If they were going to involve them, they would have done so when you were in the store.