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Emergency

Shoplifting accusation: report, ban and 'catch reward'

A shoplifting accusation is unpleasant, but you have rights. The store detective may hold you upon a fresh offense until the police arrive, nothing more. About the matter you do not have to say anything. Often an additional flat-rate 'catch reward' is demanded, whose amount is frequently excessive.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A store detective may provisionally hold you upon a fresh offense (§ 127 StPO) until the police arrive. He may not search you or force you to make a statement. About the matter you do not have to say anything.
Demanded 'catch rewards' or 'processing flat rates' are only justified in a reasonable, actually incurred amount. You do not have to accept excessive flat-rate demands without checking. Do not sign any debt acknowledgment on the spot.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Stay calm, remain silent

    Make no statement about the matter and sign nothing, not even a debt acknowledgment.

  2. 2

    2. Tolerate being held, nothing more

    You have to wait for the police, but do not have to be searched or confess.

  3. 3

    3. Check the demands

    Pay a flat-rate catch reward only if it is justified and in a reasonable amount, when in doubt have it checked later.

  4. 4

    4. Bring in a lawyer

    For the criminal complaint, get a defense lawyer; often a discontinuation is possible with a low value.

How to spot the scam

  • You are supposed to pay a high 'catch reward' in cash immediately.
  • You are pushed to a written confession.
  • The detective wants to search you (he is not authorized to do so).

Frequently asked questions

May the store detective hold me?

Upon a fresh offense he may provisionally hold you until the police arrive (§ 127 StPO). But he may not physically search you and not force you to make a statement or a confession. About the matter you do not have to say anything.

Do I have to pay a catch reward?

Only in a reasonable, actually incurred amount. Flat-rate 'catch rewards' or 'processing fees' are often excessive. Pay nothing under pressure on the spot and sign no debt acknowledgment, have the demand checked when in doubt.

What happens under criminal law?

Shoplifting is a theft (§ 242 StGB). With a low value and first-time offenders, a discontinuation of the proceedings is often possible, if applicable against a condition. Remain silent about the matter and bring in a lawyer before you comment.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.