Bashful middle-class women caught shoplifting at John Lewis and Waitrose have turned to a support thread on the Consumer Action Group website, seeking advice on whether they will be prosecuted and how to tackle the 'absolutely horrible habit'. The forum, which offers free advice from volunteers, has become a haven for those worried about the consequences of their actions.
One shoplifter, who stole a £2.95 fruit box from Waitrose, asked if the police could get involved and expressed shame and regret. Another admitted to taking £500 worth of products from John Lewis due to the cost of living, while a third blamed her actions on the menopause. One poster simply said they 'just wanted a treat'.
Volunteers advised the shoplifters to seek help from their GP, stay away from banned stores, and ignore letters from the Retail Loss Prevention scheme. One thief was told to 'bin' any correspondence, while another was urged to 'find a therapist'.
The forum posts reveal a range of stolen items, from a fruit box to high-value goods, with some shoplifters worried about the impact on their passports and holidays. One poster, who signed off with 'kind regards, awful shoplifter', asked if her criminal record would be affected.
