Will target sue me for shoplifting?
Target cannot press charges against a shoplifter for stealing goods from its stores. It can file a police report or request a prosecutor’s office to step in, but the company does not have the authority to charge an individual with anything directly.
Should I pay civil demand for shoplifting?
This is especially true if you were caught shoplifting something of minor value. A civil demand letter is a legal attempt to obtain money, but it’s not one you’re legally obliged to pay. For many stores, this simply isn’t worth the time and money it would cost to do so, especially if the theft was minor.
Should I ignore a civil demand letter?
If you received a civil demand letter, it is important that you do not ignore it. Department stores often take people to small claims court if they do not pay the requested amount. However, this does not mean that you should simply pay and take no further action.
Do stores keep track of shoplifters?
Most stores these days have surveillance cameras to track and record the behavior of shoplifters. Shoplifters don’t know if someone is watching from a distance possibly using multiple cameras, high-powered binoculars, and recording your criminal acts.
What happens if you get caught shoplifting at Target?
What Happens if You Get Caught Stealing at Target? After Target stops an accused shoplifter, they may give a “no trespassing” order banning them from the store. Also, Target demands that a civil penalty be paid to cover the store’s costs of stopping and prosecuting shoplifters.
How long does it take to get a civil demand letter?
If a civil demand is sent, it is likely to arrive within a few weeks of the incident, but in some cases a letter may not arrive for a period of months. As a general rule, the longer you wait without receiving a civil demand, the less likely it is that you will receive one.
Does civil recovery appear on background checks?
If you were arrested, went to court and either entered a plea of guilty or no contest or was found guilty after a trial, you have a conviction which will appear on most background checks. Paying the “civil fine” does not set aside a conviction.
What happens when you pay a civil demand?
In other cases, the police are contacted and criminal charges are filed. The person goes to court, gets the case resolved. The person pays fines, court costs, and restitution for any items that were damaged or not recovered and thinks that the case is finally over and that he can put this incident behind him.
How do stores track down shoplifters?
Many retailers, especially large department and grocery stores, use video surveillance. Some stores even have facial recognition software so they can easily identify people from the surveillance videos. Many locally-owned stores use social media to track down shoplifters.
