September 20, 2009
How likely is it that merchants check their surveillance cameras after the fact?
Daniel P. asked:
My younger sister is 19 years old and she recently shoplifted a few items from her university store. Just compulsively, not out of necessity. She feels great regret and is riddled with anxiety. She knows she made a mistake. She wasn’t caught on the spot, but wonders if the store routinely checks their cameras and investigates any suspicious activity (i.e. a student shoplifting, matching the video to that students ID in the system).
My younger sister is 19 years old and she recently shoplifted a few items from her university store. Just compulsively, not out of necessity. She feels great regret and is riddled with anxiety. She knows she made a mistake. She wasn’t caught on the spot, but wonders if the store routinely checks their cameras and investigates any suspicious activity (i.e. a student shoplifting, matching the video to that students ID in the system).
Any account of a previous experience would be greatly appreciated.
Don’t judge too harshly.
Leave a Comment
Comments on How likely is it that merchants check their surveillance cameras after the fact?
have her return the stuff go looking for them before they go looking for her
Most likely, nothing will come of it. They would need to prove it was her, but more importantly, they would need to be able to prove without a shred of doubt that items were taken. Because they did npt apprehend her at the time, it is unlikely they would be able to prove this. Hopefuly, all this anxiety and regret will prevent her from doing it again… and possibly being caught. If she continues to do this, it may result in an expulsion from the school.
I wonder if she feels regret and anxiety because she is a thief or because she might get caught.
I doubt that she will get caught, They usually don’t spend a lot of time reviewing old tapes.
If she feels guilty about being a thief she could send the money to the store anonymously. Just put it in an envelope and mail it in.
100% if she stole something valuable with limited inventory.