Caught Shoplifting

[Mark1982]

I was caught shoplifting recently at a local supermarket. It was mortifyingly embarrassing and I am thoroughly ashamed of myself and it will never happen again.

My question is; this was my first (and last) ever offence and the police issued me a fixed penatly notice of £80 which I intend to pay. But - will the shop in question also have the right to prosecute me? What was stolen foodstuffs to the value of £20.

Please someone let me know the situation as I can't sleep and am sick from guilt and worry.

thanks

[cathfromsaron]

its easily done and i would put it behind you!

they may be part of a scheme, in which case yes, but in most cases they won't bother!

[MarkRae]

It depends on the supermarket. Some chains (e.g. Sainsburys) have a zero tolerance policy and will always prosecute theft even if not in their interests financially. My local one has a big notice in the entrance saying this. Others won't bother because it's just not worth the time and effort.

[Barmaid]

The supermarkets do not prosecute - only the CPS can do that. The fact that you have been offered and accepted a fixed penalty notice would indicate to me that there will not be a criminal prosecution.

The supermarket could still take civil recovery proceedings under the Civil Recovery Scheme.

[paddywak]

You may also find yourself banned from that particular shop or chain. Might sound hard to enforce but they do it anyway.

[skincomb11]

I think they may be able to use a civil recovery system, whether they will is another story. The £80 fine you received from police sounds like a 'Penalty Notice for Disorder' and is not a conviction, although it is noted on the local system of the force that issued it and may be disclosed if you have an enhanced CRB check for a job that requires one.
Best to just buy things like most others normally do!

[Mark1982]

ok thanks :(

[TheShakeperian]

The supermarket can issue a civil recovery notice for the value of the items stolen and the cost of processing the penalty notice (the time of the security officer/police) this is likedly to be around £150 and is in addition to the £80 FPN
The FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice) is not a fine and does not give you a criminal conviction. It may show up on an enhanced CRB check.
If you do not pay it it is increased to £120 and does become a fine.

[Mark1982]

Does the £80 I have paid for the penalty notice go to the government or the supermarket itself, anyone know?

[TheShakeperian]

The £80 goes to court/the govenment (or who ever gets fine money) it does not go to the supermarket. That is why the supermarket will get it's costs back by issuing a civil recovery notice.