If you lived in a state wherein self-checkout grocery stores have been rampant, perhaps you have heard about petit thefts. There are several methods thieves steal at self-checkouts, such as:
- Inputting small price codes from larger price codes
- Detaching price codes from the items
A self checkout theft will do all their might and capabilities to fool the self-checkout machine into doing the black plan. Is there any active case for this kind of theft? Yes, there is! It is discussed here.
How do petit thefts do criminal offenses?
Petit thefts have been criminal offenses as they confidently steal groceries in a self-checkout grocery store. Since nobody is watching, except on the camera installed, they can hide in any corner, wherein it can’t be caught up by the camera and switch barcodes of items. From a larger price to a smaller price, these are people who want to fool the self-checkout machine. If you are caught up in doing the offense, are you entitled to defend yourself or instantly be arrested by the police?
Self-checkout theft prosecution
There are three groups of customers who are prosecuted due to self-checkout theft:
- Those who intend to steal
- Those who stole by mistake
- Those who are self-checkout shoplifting innocent
Unluckily, retailers are busy with this self-checkout theft prosecution, they consider someone stole an item by mistake. It means you still face self-checkout theft prosecution, even if it is not intended for stealing. In most cases, it is your word versus the store.
How does self-checkout through prosecution happen?
By mistake, you are prosecuted as a self-checkout thief because you are caught buying an item switched with codes from the previous real self-checkout thieves. Yet, it doesn’t mean you are hopeless. There can be investigations to prove yourself not guilty. Once you are charged with self-checkout theft, you have the right to remain silent and then the right lawyer to defend yourself rightfully.
Never answer questions from the loss prevention agents of the store or the police. Keep reminded about the popular statement “anything you say can be used against you”. So, it is advised to remain silent until you have talked to your self-checkout petit theft lawyer. Ensure that you have your lawyer present with you before answering any questions.
Yes, a self-checkout theft can be scary because you might be charged with doing the stealing even if you have clean hands. Since self-checkout machines can’t say who’s honest buyers are, an investigation is still done.
