I was in department store with a friend and he saw an itrip that he wanted. so he took it out of the package and put it in his pocket. i walked away while he was doing this because i didnt want anything to do with it. so as we are walking out of target a security gaurd walks out and yells to us to have a nice day. we were walking in the parking lot walking to our car when he said this to us. is there anything that could happen to me if i never stole it? how would they contact him or i if we live in another state? is it possible for them to check the security cameras and get the license plate number and contact us somehow? mainly i just want to know if anything could happen to me.
2007-05-20 07:59:55 · 22 answers · asked by tozerlake 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
oh i forgot to mention i am 17 too. and i kinda wanna know why that security gaurd didnt stop us in the first place
2007-05-20 08:07:11 · update #1
Is it possible to track you down? Yes.
Could you be charged with a crime? Yes. Since you were with him, and you did nothing to stop him you could be charged with being an accomplice to the theft.
But, you don't have anything to worry about. The cost of tracking you down and convicting you is far too great compared to the value of the merchandise your friend took. that's why they have security to catch you at the scene before you get away with the merchandise. I've had a few jobs in retail stores, and the only time I've seen a thief convicted is when there was an undercover policeman at the store waiting to catch someone in the act.
2007-05-20 08:10:32 · answer #1 · answered by martin h 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is unusual that you were caught and not stopped. The security officer must have had a hunch that your friend was up to something but wasn't completely sure. They can review the video and us it as evidence. They probably will not. Recovering the stolen item is an important part of making a valid prosecution. You and your friend's picture may be posted in their loss prevention department now so that they can keep a close eye on you if you return. MY strong advice to you is: 1) don't go there anymore 2) stay away from the thief 3) If you and your friend are minors, tell an adult so that your friend can get help. I know this would be considered "uncool" but jail time is also "uncool.
2007-05-20 08:08:04 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the story is exactly how you tell it then you would not be charged with anything. However, you should probably find new friends and eventually you will end up in trouble.
And yes it is "possible" that they could check security tapes and get a license plate and find you but at this point you probably got lucky but it might be different next time. Target is know for having a very good security system.
2007-05-20 08:05:51 · answer #3 · answered by CountyMounty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not that big of a crime so i guess it will pass by, she should just never go back to where she was banned because the consequences will be pretty big. If she makes shoplifting a habit than it will go on her record. Just encourage her not to shoplift.
2016-05-22 02:08:55 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well right now i wouldn't worry about getting caught for what you did. They are not going to check cameras and get the licence plate and track you down. However, if he is caught walking out of the store you can get in trouble too even though you didn't do anything. Walk out like 5 min before him next time you go anywhere with him or don't shop with him because you can get in big trouble.
2007-05-20 08:05:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are an accomplice to the crime. You could be prosecuted. However, I doubt they will do anything now. Though they still can. With cameras, etc. Maybe you will think about this in the future. Legally, you should have told him you would report him if he did it and then do it if he did. He doesn't seem to have any respect for you or others.
2007-05-20 08:06:39 · answer #6 · answered by Ann S 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes you could be charged with theft as well. Try this site for help. The site is a shoplifting site that helps both sides the retailer and the shoplifter
http://panther10758.tripod.com/
2007-05-20 08:37:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could be charged with accessory to a crime. How does a judge know you weren't your friend's "lookout man"? Take the sound advice of the other nice folks in here and ditch the thief.
2007-05-20 08:10:44 · answer #8 · answered by bubblelator 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You will get an accessory charge but if you get a good lawyer you may be able to get out of it, if not your going to Juvenal detention and you will be there for a Lil while prob till you 18 or so.
2007-05-20 08:41:35 · answer #9 · answered by Wayne P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once a friend & I were in a store and he boosted a bottle of whiskey, he was apprehended as he walked out of the store and they left me alone because they had seen the whole thing and knew I was not involved. So based on my experience I'd say you will probably be OK.
2007-05-20 08:05:08 · answer #10 · answered by jxt299 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋