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Shoplifting is the illegal act of taking goods from a shop without paying for them first. While shoplifting is not a specific offence it forms part of an offence of theft.
Select any card you feel you need to. Once you've done this, use the "See my options" button to get your advice.
You do not have to select a card from every category. You can also view our general advice.
Victim/Witness
Someone has stolen or attempted to steal from a shop or business
You want to report a theft or attempted theft from your shop or business, or you have witnessed this happening
Someone I know is selling stolen goods
You want to report someone selling items you believe have been stolen from a shop or business
I am shoplifting to fund an addiction and need help
You may feel like you are being forced to shoplift but want help to stop
There are witnesses
Someone saw the incident happen
I don't think there are any witnesses
You don't know if anyone saw what happened
Your situation
This has happened more than once
This isn't the first time someone has stolen from your shop or business
I feel I've been targeted
If you feel that you have been targeted for a particular reason please make sure you tell us this
I do not speak English very well
English is not your first language and you may have difficulties discussing your concerns
I was injured or threatened with violence
The thief used threats or violence during the incident
The person who did this
I think I know who did this
You have details of, or suspect you know who committed the crime
I don’t know who committed the crime but I do have a description
You have a description of what the offender looks like
I don't have a name or description of the person, but I have other details
You do not have any description or names of those involved, but do have details such as their address, their place of work, their number plate, online details etc.
Someone I know has details about who did this
Someone believes they have information about the person or people who have done this
I don't know who did this
You do not have any details of who is involved in this
Evidence
There is video footage or photos
You may have clear CCTV, video or images of the incident or know where there are cameras which may cover the area
There is evidence which could identify the person responsible
There may be evidence such as bodily fluids, fingerprints, footprints or saliva
They left something behind
The suspect may have left an item behind
There are verbal or written comments
The suspect/s said something, left graffiti, wrote something online or sent emails or messages
I don’t know if there is any evidence
You are unsure if there is evidence that can help with the investigation
Concerns
This is affecting my mental or physical health
You would like support following this incident
I want to remain anonymous
You do not want to provide your details
I do not want to go to court
You do not feel comfortable taking part in a trial or hearing
I'm unsure if I should confront the thief
You are unsure whether to confront the suspect
I'm not sure if I should detain the suspect
You are unsure if you can detain the suspect
I'm worried it may happen again
You are worried that this incident may happen again