After being apprehended but before being charged by the police, how do you maximize your chances of being let off with a warning? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 24, 2009 - 19 answers

My kid spent the night with his friend. The next day, thinking he's still at the friend's house, I get a phone call from the local grocery store. Seems my kid was shoplifting. Now, both of the mom's involved are angry with each other. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 19, 2009 - 39 answers

What is Costco's statutes of limitation for shoplifting? Do they really keep track of previous shoplifters? [more inside]
posted by penguingrl on Sep 10, 2009 - 11 answers

Stopped and fined for shoplifting for the first time. What to do with the confusing letter I received, the non-responding phone #, and the fine. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 14, 2009 - 32 answers

Okay, s I saw this video on the CNN site a few hours ago. The newscasters go on about it being a dog that was shoplifting, but I think it was a coyote. Any mefi out there know more about coyotes care to make a positive id?
posted by lester on Dec 25, 2008 - 13 answers

So, what's the current Received Wisdom on what to do when you get home and find that your 5 year old has lifted a couple pieces of candy at the grocery store without benefit of payment? [more inside]
posted by baylink on Oct 7, 2008 - 35 answers

How common is it for young people to conceal (weapons and drugs) and steal? [more inside]
posted by sixcolors on Jun 11, 2008 - 46 answers

Is my white rapper little brother being discriminated against in municipal court? [more inside]
posted by thebellafonte on Nov 29, 2007 - 27 answers

On the coattails of the thread Ridiculousness at the Grocery Store, what's the smart way to handle being approached by store security in the United States? Assuming that you absolutely did not intentionally shoplift, and either (A) you have no goods at all or (B) you have some trivial item you forgot to pay for? Also please cite the state if you're talking about specific laws where you're at.
posted by chef_boyardee on Jul 1, 2006 - 17 answers

This afternoon my boyfriend went to our local Publix supermarket to pick up lunch. He ordered a sub, picked up two bags of chips, and started eating one bag as he walked around finishing up his shopping. When he reached the checkout line he dumped everything on the belt and started reading a magazine as he waited in line to pay the cashier. He paid and then walked out the door with his bags where he was then stopped and told to come back inside. [more inside]
posted by jessica on Jul 1, 2006 - 48 answers

How much physical abuse can "Wal-Mart Cops" legally dish during a detainment for suspected shoplifting? Can cops seize a car for being used in a crime when no charges are ever filed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 9, 2006 - 40 answers

Inept dick filter: My supermarket thinks I'm a shoplifter. [more inside]
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium on Aug 24, 2005 - 24 answers