Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

If someone walks out of a store without paying for items but drops them in the parking lot (theft) can the store prosecute if they get a license plate number of the car the person left the parking lot in? Do they just need a manager's word for it if he saw the theft and recovered the stuff in the parking lot or do they have to have more proof such as a video? This happened where I worked. I told the manager someone walked out without paying. He went to the lot and saw the woman getting in the car.She left the stolen stuff in the cart by the car. He got the license plate but is doubtful something can be done about it except watch her the next time she comes in which is a few times a week. I think he can contact police with the license number and prosecute since he saw her leave.


Asked on 9/10/10, 6:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Only the government can prosecute someone for a crime. The store where you work can't. Neither can your manager or the company that owns the store.

Your manager can report what he knows to the local police and the local district attorney's office. They may or may not be willing to act on his information. It's their call.

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Answered on 9/15/10, 6:16 pm


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