Can a shoplifter be picked up after the fact?

[catwoman131]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Let's say a person was to go into a clothing store and take an item and conceal it while in the dressing room. That person then purchases some other item and (stupidly) uses their credit card. Upon exiting the store, the security alarm at the door starts beeping. The person shows the contents of their personal items to store staff, convinces them that there is nothing else in there, and they send them on their merry way. Once the store staff sends that person along, can there be any future action taken?

 

[CdwJava]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Let's say a person was to go into a clothing store and take an item and conceal it while in the dressing room. That person then purchases some other item and (stupidly) uses their credit card. Upon exiting the store, the security alarm at the door starts beeping. The person shows the contents of their personal items to store staff, convinces them that there is nothing else in there, and they send them on their merry way. Once the store staff sends that person along, can there be any future action taken?

Yes. If they develop probable cause to believe you committed a crime, they can report it to the police and you could be charged and arrested.

Oh, as a note, since you apparently are entering these places with the intent to steal, understand that you are committing felony burglary each and every time. Time to straighten up your life before you get caught.

 

[catwoman131]

So okay, what then would be considered probable cause? No items were actually found on this person. Can you please clarify what type of information the retailer would have to have in order to file such a report?
Thank you!

 

[CdwJava]

So okay, what then would be considered probable cause? No items were actually found on this person. Can you please clarify what type of information the retailer would have to have in order to file such a report?
Thank you!

I'd be hypothesizing and guessing and would have to spend a half a page writing "what if ..." scenarios. Suffice it to say that it is possible, though not highly probable, that they will come back after you once you have been permitted to go free.

 

[ERAUPIKE]

So okay, what then would be considered probable cause? No items were actually found on this person. Can you please clarify what type of information the retailer would have to have in order to file such a report?
Thank you!

The retailer would need to contact the local police department. They would show them the video of you taking an item out of the store that caused the EAS system to activate. The officers would then decide whether or not they have enough info to take a warrant out for your arrest.

 

[HighwayMan]

So okay, what then would be considered probable cause? No items were actually found on this person. Can you please clarify what type of information the retailer would have to have in order to file such a report?
Thank you!

Instead of worrying about how to beat the system why don't you just STOP. You will be caught eventually.

 

[Proserpina]

Instead of worrying about how to beat the system why don't you just STOP. You will be caught eventually.

See, there you go being all reasonable again!

 

[mmmagique]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Let's say a person was to go into a clothing store and take an item and conceal it while in the dressing room. That person then purchases some other item and (stupidly) uses their credit card. Upon exiting the store, the security alarm at the door starts beeping. The person shows the contents of their personal items to store staff, convinces them that there is nothing else in there, and they send them on their merry way. Once the store staff sends that person along, can there be any future action taken?

You put the stupidly in the wrong place.

Stealing is stupid. Thinking you are catwoman while ripping people off is stupid. Using a credit card is not necessarily stupid unless you don't know how to use it properly (as a tool, not a prop)

 

[HighwayMan]

I'll go out on a limb here and say that since this thread is over a month old (although not that old by necroposter standards) catwoman is probably gone.