Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Costco Ban - shoplifting

R

Rajesh

Banned
Jurisdiction
New Jersey
I was caught shoplifting at Costco and it is my first time doing it at this place. I'm 30 years old by the way. Somehow, I really wanted to buy this product that was worth around $10 but, i didn't have a Costco card with me and I wouldn't be able to buy it. Somehow, this crazy idea...stealing something that is worth $10 would be harmless. Well while i was walking out, I was stopped by security and asked me what I was hiding. I initially stated I don't have anything but later I showed it to them, and they asked me for my ID. I cooperated with them.

I told them straight up that I'm willing to pay this product if I can buy it.

I had to sign a form saying I would be trespassing if I tried to go to a Costco as I had been "banned forever." They told me for a while that I would be handed over to the police for initially stating that I don't have anything.
After about 15 mins, a person escorted me outside Costco and told me that couldn't enter Costco ever again.
I asked him, if he could please not inform the police and he said, "If you enter again, we would".

My question: should i still be concerned? Could they still file a case? It has been 2 days and nothing so far.

I have a clean record, I'm on a VISA, do i still have a clean record?
 
Rajesh said:
I was caught shoplifting at Costco and it is my first time doing it at this place.
Click to expand...



If you stay out of Costco you should expect no further repercussions unless one of their lawyers sends you a civil demand letter ordering you to pay $300, maybe $500, or some amount to cover their costs to thwart thieves.

Good luck.
 
Rajesh said:
My question: should i still be concerned? Could they still file a case? It has been 2 days and nothing so far.

I have a clean record, I'm on a VISA, do i still have a clean record?
Click to expand...

The store could have called the police right after you were detained. The fact that the store didn't do that suggests that a criminal complaint is not likely to happen now. But there is nothing that prevents the store from making that complaint now if store management changes its mind. As Army Judge noted, you might still get a civil demand to pay over some cash to compensate the store. If that is all that happens, consider yourself lucky. Had you been convicted of theft, you would have not only the punishment the court imposes for that but also the problem that theft is a crime of moral turpitude and can be grounds for deportation. So if you like staying in this country, don't ever steal again.
 
Rajesh said:
I was caught shoplifting at Costco and it is my first time doing it. I'm 30 years old by the way. Somehow, I really wanted to buy this product that was worth around $10 but, i didn't have a Costco card with me and I wouldn't be able to buy it. Somehow, this crazy idea...stealing something that is worth $10 would be harmless. Well while i was walking out, I was stopped by security and asked me what I was hiding. I initially stated I don't have anything but later I showed it to them, and they asked me for my ID. I cooperated with them.

I told them straight up that I'm willing to pay this product if I can buy it.

I had to sign a form saying I would be trespassing if I tried to go to a Costco as I had been "banned forever." They told me for a while that I would be handed over to the police for initially stating that I don't have anything.
After about 15 mins, a person escorted me outside Costco and told me that couldn't enter Costco ever again.
I asked him, if he could please not inform the police and he said, "If you enter again, we would".

My question: should i still be concerned? Could they still file a case? It has been 2 days and nothing so far.

I have a clean record, I'm on a VISA, do i still have a clean record?
Click to expand...
 
Rajesh said:
I was caught shoplifting at Costco and it is my first time doing it at this place. I'm 30 years old by the way. Somehow, I really wanted to buy this product that was worth around $10 but, i didn't have a Costco card with me and I wouldn't be able to buy it. Somehow, this crazy idea...stealing something that is worth $10 would be harmless. Well while i was walking out, I was stopped by security and asked me what I was hiding. I initially stated I don't have anything but later I showed it to them, and they asked me for my ID. I cooperated with them.

I told them straight up that I'm willing to pay this product if I can buy it.

I had to sign a form saying I would be trespassing if I tried to go to a Costco as I had been "banned forever." They told me for a while that I would be handed over to the police for initially stating that I don't have anything.
After about 15 mins, a person escorted me outside Costco and told me that couldn't enter Costco ever again.
I asked him, if he could please not inform the police and he said, "If you enter again, we would".

My question: should i still be concerned? Could they still file a case? It has been 2 days and nothing so far.

I have a clean record, I'm on a VISA, do i still have a clean record?
Click to expand...
You could have purchased the item...you just would not have gotten the member discount.
 
justblue said:
You could have purchased the item...you just would not have gotten the member discount.
Click to expand...
Costco won't let you purchase an item if you're not a member.
The OP *could* have offered someone in line some money to buy the item on his behalf...
 
Rajesh said:
and it is my first time doing it at this place
Click to expand...

This suggests you are no stranger to shoplifting. You are certainly aware that retailers don't appreciate people who steal from them and can forbid people from coming to the property, same as any other peppery owner. Returning could result in arrest for trespassing.

Rajesh said:
stealing something that is worth $10 would be harmless.
Click to expand...

Nobody is that naive. If you truly believed that you wouldn't try to conceal it.

Rajesh said:
should i still be concerned? Could they still file a case? It has been 2 days and nothing so far.
Click to expand...

You should be concerned that you are 30 and think shoplifting is harmless.
It is unlikely you will hear from police unless you return to the store. They likely have a year or two to pursue the theft offense if they should choose to, so don't give them reason.

Rajesh said:
do i still have a clean record?
Click to expand...

Yes.

Stop stealing.
 
mightymoose said:
This suggests you are no stranger to shoplifting. You are certainly aware that retailers don't appreciate people who steal from them and can forbid people from coming to the property, same as any other peppery owner. Returning could result in arrest for trespassing.



Nobody is that naive. If you truly believed that you wouldn't try to conceal it.



You should be concerned that you are 30 and think shoplifting is harmless.
It is unlikely you will hear from police unless you return to the store. They likely have a year or two to pursue the theft offense if they should choose to, so don't give them reason.



Yes.

Stop stealing.
Click to expand...


I had copied most of the text from some post, and i had added additional details, i didnt notice that part "my first time doing it at this place".
 
Zigner said:
Costco won't let you purchase an item if you're not a member.
The OP *could* have offered someone in line some money to buy the item on his behalf...
Click to expand...
Really? Is this a new policy, because I used to shop there without a membership...is was a (I think) 10 or 15 % surcharge.
 
Isn't this the reason they have someone at the door checking for membership cards? I haven't been there in a few years... Maybe they don't do that anymore. Or maybe it varies by state.
 
I am a Retail Theft Consultant and answer questions like yours daily. First off its NEVER wise to name stores or the like and/or give details of a crime you are accused of. This can be used against you. Second if they want to file criminal complaint the best time to that is when they detained you. Therefore its my opinion long as you do not reenter store of ignore Civil demand they wont. they could put your name in a retail theft database if they subscribe. This is harmless to you unless you work or plan to work retail. There is info on what i post below.



Civil Recovery

 
Rajesh said:
should i still be concerned? Could they still file a case?
Click to expand...

The store could still report the matter to the police for investigation and eventual prosecution of shoplifting.

Rajesh said:
I have a clean record, I'm on a VISA, do i still have a clean record?
Click to expand...

Given your immigration situation, posting about this on a public internet forum with the name of your victim was none too bright. In any event, until and unless you are arrested and/or charged, your record remains "clean."
 

Share this page

Get a free case review from a lawyer
Back
Top