Restitution

[CorpAvenger]

What is the name of your state? California

I'm 17 year old found removing UPC (tags) in Fry's Electronics from merchandises and replacing them with lower priced UPC - no damages to items or package. I then paid for the items though they were much cheaper.

I walked out of the store without paying the extra $312 that would have cost.

Fry's electronics sent me a statement telling me I stole $317, not 312, and to pay $350 in restitution. I did not resist arrest, I cooperated with both security and police, and the items were not damaged in any way. I understand the restocking fee and security service, but $350 seems ridiculous.

I'm planning on paying this, but I want to lower the fee. What can I do?

 

[CdwJava]

Have you been charged with a crime yet? This $350 may be a civil assessment that Fry's is levying against you, and it may be above and beyond whatever restitution and fines you have to pay in court.

You are darn lucky you haven't been charged with multiple felonies!

- Carl

 

[CorpAvenger]

I'm being charged with petty theft and going to court on 1/20/05.

Again, the merchandise was retrieved in perfect condition. I showed respect and cooperated with the police and security.

It seems crazy to make me pay $350 for the restocking of 4 items, fixing the changed tags, and an hour's time of the security guard.

If not, I advise people to acquire a degree in providing Security to retailers so you can make over $200/hour.

 

[CdwJava]

I'm being charged with petty theft and going to court on 1/20/05.

Again, the merchandise was retrieved in perfect condition. I showed respect and cooperated with the police and security.

It seems crazy to make me pay $350 for the restocking of 4 items, fixing the changed tags, and an hour's time of the security guard.

If not, I advise people to acquire a degree in providing Security to retailers so you can make over $200/hour.

The most common civil assessment is $250. But, I have heard that state law allows a higher amount, so maybe $350 is it.

It is NOT just a restocking fee. It is to help compensate them for time lost in the apprehension and processing of the incident, reserving the item for evidence, restocking, repackaging, shipping for repair or substitution, etc. Most stores do NOT resell an item that has left the store like that. Fry's might, but then I have a pretty low opinion of them anyway.

Fight it if you want, but you will probably find that paying it may then become a condition of your release, restitution and probation.

- Carl

 

[CorpAvenger]

For the 2nd time, the merchandise left the store in perfect condition and in its retail package, also, in perfect condition.

The time spent in the apprehension and processing of the incident was no more than an hour.

I totally understand I have to pay for restitution, but $350 is excessive. $250 seems reasonable.

 

[CdwJava]

For the 2nd time, the merchandise left the store in perfect condition and in its retail package, also, in perfect condition.

The time spent in the apprehension and processing of the incident was no more than an hour.

I totally understand I have to pay for restitution, but $350 is excessive. $250 seems reasonable.

Perfect condition or not, very often the merchandise is kept off the shelves until the whole matter is resolved.

Besides, it has nothing to do with what YOU think is reasonable or not. You have a choice, pay it - or don't. It's your penalty in court.

- Carl

 

[stealth2]

Let's see.... you willfully tried to steal stuff from the store, tied up various personal (including the cops) during a very busy time of year for them, increased the need for this store (and others) to pay for security systems, etc - all stuff that increases what the REST OF US have to pay for goods that we obtain legally, and you think $350 is unfair?!?!?!

You can also expect not to be allowed to shop in Fry's again - is that ALSO unfair? Talk about a sense of entitlement.

What do your parents say?

 

[BelizeBreeze]

I agree that $350 is not the correct I would prefer the Afghanistan solution.

 

[alex003]

Unfair

That is unjust what those f@#$ing people at Fry are charging you. I did not know stocking items, taking pictures of those items you stole, and paying the security guards, who most likely took one hours of the whole day doing nothing to write a report, cost $350. First of all, the security guards at Fry’s, and I know this for a fact, do nothing all day, but sit on their big fat ass and watch the cameras, make fun of people, and tell lame jokes. I worked for Fry’s and I saw how unpleasantly the costumers were treated. I listened to the customer and their complains about a broken items they bought. Fry’s takes the broken items back and reships them hoping some one would buy it and not return it. I quit working for Fry’s because Fry’s treat their employees the same way the employees treat the customer.

People buy Fry’s products and return it the next day so the only way Fry’s can only make money from thefts.

F#@$ing
Retarded
Year old
Stuff

 

[tabathadolley]

That is unfair what those f@#$ing people at Fry are charging you. I did not know staking items, taking pictures of those items you stole, and paying the security guards, who probably took one hours of the whole day to write a report, cast $350

You know what really sucks? Me as the honest consumer having to pay more because stores have to hire the guards, put in measures to catch the theives, and then listen to the theif complain about how much it's going to cost them.

 

[getsom41]

True story

You should of ran because I can’t tell you how many times I saw customer run when they get caught and always get away. The security guards are too lazy to chase after them; I mean what are they getting paid for. I saw two guys run out of Fry’s (Fry’s located at Burbank) and one caring with him a CD burner or something like that. Then I saw a security guard run out of the door, watched them run away, looked at me, and then just went back inside. I was laughing so hard.