What is a complaint of conversion?

Q: Do grocery stores track down shoplifters?

Yes, grocery stores often track down shoplifters. They may use surveillance footage and employee reports to identify individuals involved in theft. Some stores may pursue legal action or civil recovery against those caught shoplifting, depending on the severity of the incident and store policies.

Q: Do police track you down for shoplifting?

Yes, police can track down individuals suspected of shoplifting. If a store files a report, law enforcement may investigate the incident. This can involve reviewing evidence and contacting the individual involved. In Indiana, shoplifting can lead to criminal charges, which police may pursue.

Q: Can you be tracked down for shoplifting?

Yes, you can be tracked down for shoplifting. Stores often use surveillance systems to identify suspects. If caught, loss prevention staff may report the incident to law enforcement, which can lead to further investigation and potential criminal charges, such as conversion in Indiana.

Full question:

I was caught shoplifting in a grocery store. I put the products into my purse in the bathroom. The loss prevention staff saw the product boxes I removed and threw into the trash can and stopped me. I did not walk out of the store or try to pass the checking point. I returned everything. But the grocery staff filed the paper work to the court. I got the summon from the court today. It says I need to show up on Jan. 9 to answer the complaint of conversion. I am confused, am I charged for a crime? From what I know, shoplifting in IN usually is charged as Class A misdemeanor. Why the summon just listed "to answer the complaint of conversion"? It's ordered by the judge. Is there any possibility that this incident is treated as civil case?

Category: Courts
Subcategory: Legal Definitions
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Indiana

Answer:

The following is an Indiana statute:

IC 35-43-4-3 (a) A person who knowingly or intentionally exerts....

(a) A person who knowingly or intentionally exerts unauthorized control
over property of another person commits criminal conversion, a Class A
misdemeanor.

(b) The offense under subsection (a) is a Class D felony if committed by
a person who exerts unauthorized control over the motor vehicle of another
person with the intent to use the motor vehicle to assist the person in the
commission of a crime.

(c) The offense under subsection (a) is a Class C felony if:

(1) committed by a person who exerts unauthorized control over the motor
vehicle of another person; and

(2) the person uses the motor vehicle to assist the person in the
commission of a felony.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Do stores actually prosecute shoplifters?

Yes, stores can and often do prosecute shoplifters. If caught, loss prevention staff may file a complaint, which can lead to criminal charges such as conversion under Indiana law. Stores may also pursue civil action to recover losses. The decision to prosecute depends on the store's policies and the specific circumstances of the incident.

Do police investigate shoplifting?

Yes, police can investigate shoplifting incidents. If a store files a complaint, law enforcement may become involved to determine if criminal charges are warranted. The investigation may include reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses. In Indiana, shoplifting can lead to charges like conversion, which police may investigate further.

How do grocery stores track shoplifting?

Grocery stores typically use surveillance cameras, security tags, and loss prevention staff to track shoplifting. They monitor suspicious behavior and may review footage to identify potential thefts. Stores often have specific protocols for addressing shoplifting incidents, including filing reports and involving law enforcement.