The Legal and Ethical Implications of Shoplifting and Retaliation

If you get chased after being seen shoplifting and one of the employees chases you and hits you, what can you do?

Technically, you could press charges for assault, but is that likely to be taken seriously? After all, you were caught in the act of shoplifting, and most stores prosecute shoplifters to the extent that the law allows. Do you really think anyone will take your countersuit seriously?

Do Not Shoplift

The answer is clear: do not shoplift. Shoplifting is illegal and unethical. A2A simply emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of your actions. Once you steal, you cannot just walk away or expect to be treated as a victim. The proper way to acquire property is through the owner's willful consent, whether that's through a price or charity. Stealing without the owner’s consent is a violation of the owner's right to their property.

Consequences Beyond Legal Charges

Even if you decide not to press charges, you still face significant consequences. You could end up falling down or getting injured during your escape. Unfortunately, stores in New Hampshire (NH) are required to have a 'no chase' policy in most mall stores to protect both customers and employees. However, if they can identify you on video surveillance, they can still involve the police. With the affordability of facial recognition software, it's very likely that they can locate you quickly using your mugshot.

Employee Rights and Store Policies

Employees have the right to protect their stores from theft. If you shoplift, they have the right to apprehend you and potentially call the police. In this situation, suing the employee could be seen as retaliation and may not be taken seriously. Instead of filigree over the incident, it's best to recognize the error of your ways and learn from it.

Instead of complaining about being caught, consider the source: if the employee was acting in self-defense or to prevent further loss to the store, then your complaint may be seen as frivolous. Stopping shoplifting immediately and respecting the rights of retailers is the ethical and legal approach.

Potential Legal Actions and Preventive Measures

If you plan to sue, you might have a possibility, but many judges might rule that you deserved to be hit for attempting to steal. Taking steps to prevent such situations in the future is advisable. This includes understanding and respecting the laws and store policies. If you are not a habitual thief, you don't need to worry about employees trying to stop you from stealing. By committing a crime, you are setting yourself up for consequences.

Instead of calling the police to complain about being caught and hit, call them to report the attempted theft. The police should be notified about the incident, especially if you are shoplifting. Defending the actions of the employee and having the shoplifter caught and prosecuted is the best path forward.