How to Have Someone Committed for Shoplifting
Shoplifting is an unfortunate element that accompanies the ownership of a retail establishment. Depending on the value of the item, shoplifting can be either a misdemeanor or felony, with the penalties varying by location. If you suspect a customer is shoplifting, call the police for assistance rather than attempting to take matters into your own hands. As a store owner, you have the right to detain a suspect until police arrive only if you have proof of the offense, such as video footage or eye-witness accounts of the crime. Additionally, shoplifting only occurs when the individual has left or attempted to leave the store without paying for an item.
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Instructions
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Instruct an employee to call the police to report the shoplifting while you detain the suspect.
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Inform the suspect that the police have been called, and that you have evidence that he has shoplifted.
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Provide your eyewitness account or video footage of the crime to the police officer when he arrives. The police officer will search the suspect and his belongings in an attempt to locate the stolen merchandise. If the merchandise is found, or the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect committed a crime, he will place the suspect under arrest.
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Tips & Warnings
Refrain from touching or searching the suspect or his belongings at any time and avoid any physical confrontations. You may only use reasonable force against a suspect in self defense.
Avoid detaining the shoplifter entirely if he resists, flees, or if you can identify the individual. If possible, follow the shoplifter to his vehicle and write down the license plate number. Report the vehicle's description and license plate number, as well as the description of the shoplifter and the items stolen to the police.
Detaining an individual against their will without definitive evidence of shoplifting can put you at risk both criminally and civilly.
