Wrongly accused of urban outfitters shoplifting?

Question

I was accused of shoplifting a belt. I said that I bought my item 3 weeks ago, and that I had a receipt. I gave them my belt and told them that I'd come back with a receipt. They took my belt, and accepted those terms. No police were invovled

Before I left, they took me to the back and asked for my info, I panicked and gave them false information (phone, address) except my name which they took from my student id. However, the address I supplied actually exists a block from my house.

Now, I cant find my receipt and I paid cash. So I have no way to prove my innocence.

So, I know if someone is caught shoplifting, they'll get fined, or could go to court

Do you think that after a week, they'll think that I was a shoplifter and send me a big bill or get me to court?

Can they find me with only my name (considering I'm a minor with no other records)?

Do you think theyll let it slide as they have no proof and I admitted nothing?

What trouble can I get in for falsifying information?

Answer 1

well the fact that you gave them the belt, makes you look like you did something wrong. If you didnt take the belt, you should of stood up for yourself, I work as a retail manager and you cant falsely ACCUSE someone of stealing, they can actually get into trouble for that. I am sure being the big company they are they have cameras? You should of told them to call the police b/c you did not take the belt and are not going to give them information, now I would say you're in a bit of a pickle, b/c the fact that you gave them false info makes you look even more guilty.

Answer 2

If they didn't call the police while you were there then there is nothing that they can do.  They are not the police, you can give them all the false information you want.  Unfortunately you're out a belt.

Answer 3

if no police report was filled then its nothing. If one was filled then its something. Forget about it and shop somewhere else.

Answer 4

"What trouble can I get in for falsifying information?"

I kind of doubt there is anything illegal about this, but I am not 100% sure.  It certainly doesn't make you look innocent of the shoplifting charge, however.

"Do you think that after a week, they'll think that I was a shoplifter and send me a big bill or get me to court?"

If I were you, I would hope to get a bill in the mail, because that would give you a chance to resolve the situation without the police getting involved.

"Can they find me with only my name (considering I'm a minor with no other records)?"

They also know what school you go to, so, if they really wanted to, it would be fairly easy to find you.  I suspect they have better things to do though.

"Do you think theyll let it slide as they have no proof and I admitted nothing?"

They probably decided to let it slide at the time they allowed you to leave w/out calling the police.  However, there are no guarantees.  If they had hard evidence that you had stolen the belt, it seems to me that they wouldn't have bought your "I bought it 3 weeks ago excuse".  So it sounds like they suspected you but were not 100% sure, and decided to let you go since they couldn't prove anything and/or felt sorry for you.

You made a good move by not admitting to stealing anything.  Worst case, the cops will come talk to you.  If you are smart, you will keep your mouth shut and exercise your right to remain silent with them as well.  It sounds like they really don't have any proof.

Also, and this is pretty obvious - don't go back to that store again, and stop stealing things.  You got lucky this time.  You won't necessarily be as lucky next time.

Good luck.