Suspected of shoplifting
What would you like help with?
Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
Accused of shoplifting? Keep the criminal case, a store ban and any damages claim separate, and ask for an explanation before signing anything.
General information about Dutch law · Reviewed on · How we work
On this page
Record what is being alleged
Keep forms and letters and note what the store or police say happened. Distinguish between your own observations and what others say.
Know your position as a suspect
Discuss an interview with a lawyer. As a suspect, you have the right to remain silent and may request legal assistance; an accusation does not yet mean that your guilt has been established.
Check every follow-up document
Pay attention to a penalty order or summons and the associated response deadline. Have separate payment requests assessed before acknowledging that you owe that amount.
Your checklist
Prepare your next stepFill in and save · Word
Tick what you have checked or collected. Note what is missing and take your overview to a meeting.
Unless saved in My overview: Your entries stay only on this screen. Download before leaving; closing or reloading clears them. Do not enter identity numbers, passwords or unnecessary personal details.
What do you still need for your next step?
Item 1 / 3 · Where do you stand with this item?
Police and store documents
This overview follows your own answers. It does not assess your rights or guarantee that your file is complete.
Your choices stay here. Use the buttons below if you want to save or download.
View all details, notes and timeline
Your timeline and evidence
List events and contacts. Note where you keep the evidence; no upload is needed.
What goes in my timeline?
Record what happened, when, the response and where to find the letter, message or photo. Mark uncertain dates.
Is my evidence sent?
No. You only note where it is kept. No files are uploaded or sent automatically.
How do I save my timeline?
Your entries are not saved automatically. Choose Save and continue later to store this preparation, including your timeline, in My overview. Wait for confirmation and save new changes again. You can also download a Word file without an account.
Up to 20 events. Choose a different position for an event to change the order.
0 / 3 · Checked or collected
For each event, note the date, what happened and where the evidence is kept. Example: 3 October — letter received — correspondence folder.
Describe the solution you would like, such as an explanation of a deduction and repayment of the outstanding amount.
For example: which document is missing, who can provide it and what should I do first?
Record the date and its source. If unknown, note this and check promptly. This tool does not calculate or monitor deadlines.
After your conversation
These are your own notes. Confirm agreements with the other person; these notes do not prove their agreement.
This is your preparation, not a submitted request, objection or legally reviewed document. A tick records only your own progress. Check the procedure and deadline in the original letter.
Save and continue later
Clear entries
Download anything you want to keep first. Clearing cannot be undone.
- Police and store documents
- Any payment request
- Summonses and deadlines
Frequently asked questions
Is a request from the store the same as a penalty imposed by a judge?
No. The claim for compensation and the criminal proceedings are separate matters. Each must be assessed separately.