Receiving an RLP letter can be confusing, especially if you have never dealt with Retail Loss Prevention before. The letter may refer to an incident at a shop and ask for payment relating to an alleged loss. It can also mention possible further action if the matter is not resolved.
An RLP letter is generally connected with civil recovery. It is different from a criminal fine or a court judgment. Retail Loss Prevention (RLP) acts on behalf of retailers in dealing with civil claims arising from incidents at their premises. According to RLP, the police may or may not have been involved, and either situation does not automatically prevent a civil claim.
If you have received an RLP letter, understanding what it means and what information it contains can help you decide what to do next.
What Is an RLP Letter?
An RLP letter is correspondence from Retail Loss Prevention concerning a potential civil recovery claim made on behalf of a retailer.
RLP says that when a retailer refers an incident to it, the details of the incident and the person involved are passed to RLP. RLP then checks the information and the circumstances of the alleged incident before contacting the person concerned.
The first letter normally explains:
- When the alleged incident happened
- Where it happened
- Which retailer was involved
- How the claimed civil liability arose
- The amount being claimed
- The options available for dealing with the matter
RLP also says that a question-and-answer document may be included with its first correspondence.
What Does RLP Stand For?
RLP stands for Retail Loss Prevention. Retail Loss Prevention Limited provides civil-recovery services to retailers.
The company explains that it acts as an agent for its clients in dealing with civil recovery matters. It says the claim itself belongs to the retailer rather than RLP.
This distinction is useful because an RLP letter does not mean that RLP has independently decided that someone is guilty of a criminal offence. The correspondence concerns the retailer’s potential civil claim.
Why Would Someone Receive an RLP Letter?
An RLP letter can follow an incident that a retailer believes caused it a financial loss.
This can include allegations involving shoplifting, theft, refund-related incidents or other conduct that the retailer believes created a loss. Citizens Advice explains that businesses can seek compensation through civil action when someone is accused of causing the business to lose money, including in alleged shoplifting cases.
Receiving an RLP letter does not, by itself, mean that a court has found the recipient liable.
The letter is part of the process of making or pursuing the retailer’s civil claim.
Is an RLP Letter a Fine?
No. An RLP letter should not automatically be described as a criminal fine.
RLP’s process concerns civil recovery, while a criminal fine is a punishment imposed through the criminal justice system. Civil and criminal proceedings are separate.
Citizens Advice explains that a business can pursue civil compensation instead of criminal action or alongside criminal charges.
This distinction is one reason people can receive an RLP letter even when their situation does not involve a criminal conviction.
Does Police Involvement Affect an RLP Letter?
Police involvement and an RLP claim are separate issues.
RLP states that the police may or may not have been involved in the incident and that either situation does not prevent a civil claim.
Citizens Advice similarly explains that a business can pursue civil compensation either instead of criminal action or in addition to criminal proceedings.
Therefore, the fact that the police were not involved does not automatically make an RLP letter invalid. Likewise, police involvement does not automatically settle the separate civil claim.
Why Can the Amount in an RLP Letter Be Higher Than the Value of the Goods?
One common question about an RLP letter is why the amount requested may be greater than the value of the goods involved in the alleged incident.
A civil claim can potentially include losses beyond the direct value of goods. Citizens Advice says a business may seek compensation for the value of goods or cash and, where reasonable and proven, certain investigation, administration, security or legal costs.
However, this does not mean that every amount requested in every case is automatically payable.
Citizens Advice explains that where additional costs are claimed, the business has to establish the basis and amount of those costs, and the costs must be reasonable.
That is why a person receiving an RLP letter should read the explanation of the amount being claimed rather than assuming it is simply the retail price of the goods.
What Should You Check in an RLP Letter?
If you receive an RLP letter, read it carefully before deciding how to respond.
Check the:
- Name of the retailer
- Date of the alleged incident
- Location of the incident
- Description of what allegedly happened
- Amount being claimed
- Explanation for the claim
- Deadline or response date
- Contact details and reference number
- Options provided for responding
RLP says its first letter provides information about when and where the incident allegedly occurred, how the civil liability arose and the amount claimed.
If something in the letter appears incorrect, keep a record of the specific point rather than ignoring it.
Can You Dispute an RLP Letter?
A person can dispute a claim if they believe the allegation or liability is incorrect.
RLP says that a straightforward denial should explain what happened on the day and why there was no theft or fraud. It states that simply writing “liability denied” is not enough for its process and that a dispute may then be investigated.
Citizens Advice also lists denying liability as one possible response to a demand for payment and recommends getting advice from an experienced adviser when considering this option.
If you dispute an RLP claim, keep copies of your correspondence and any documents or evidence relevant to what happened.
What If the Incident Was a Mistake?
Not every situation is straightforward.
RLP states that even where someone describes their actions as a mistake, it may still consider the circumstances and the sequence of events that led loss-prevention staff to believe that the person intended to leave without paying or deliberately return incorrect goods for a refund. RLP also says that a claim can potentially be settled without an admission of liability.
This means that the exact circumstances matter. Someone who believes an incident resulted from a genuine mistake should explain the circumstances rather than assuming that describing it as a mistake will automatically end the claim.
What If You Cannot Afford the Amount?
An RLP letter can be particularly difficult when the person receiving it cannot afford the amount being requested.
RLP says financial circumstances can be submitted with supporting evidence and that financial negotiations can take place. It also says monthly instalments or a future payment date may be arranged.
Citizens Advice similarly says that someone who decides to settle a claim may be able to negotiate instalments and provide evidence of their financial circumstances.
If affordability is an issue, it is better to understand the available options than to assume that ignoring the correspondence will solve the problem.
What Happens If You Ignore an RLP Letter?
Ignoring an RLP letter does not guarantee that the matter will disappear.
RLP says its pre-action correspondence is intended to encourage the parties to communicate and resolve the matter before court action. It also warns that where there is no communication, the retailer’s account may remain the only record of the incident and the client may then pursue the legal process.
Citizens Advice likewise warns that ignoring a demand carries the risk that the business will take further legal action and that additional payment demands may follow.
The appropriate response depends on the facts of the individual case. A person who disputes liability should consider obtaining independent advice rather than simply ignoring the letter.
Can RLP Take Someone to Court?
A civil claim can potentially progress to court.
RLP says the pre-action stage is intended to resolve matters without court proceedings and describes court action as a last resort. It also says that where there is no real engagement, its client may resort to the legal process.
Citizens Advice confirms that a business may take civil legal action to seek compensation. If a case reaches court, the business would need to establish that it is entitled to the compensation it is claiming.
An RLP letter itself is therefore not the same as a court judgment. A recipient should pay attention to any formal court documents and deadlines if proceedings are actually started.
Can an RLP Claim Affect Your Credit Record?
An RLP letter by itself should not be described as a criminal conviction or automatically treated as a court judgment.
Credit consequences can become relevant if a civil claim progresses to court and a judgment is made. The exact consequences depend on the circumstances and applicable rules.
For that reason, readers should distinguish between receiving an RLP demand, reaching an agreement, and having a court judgment entered against them.
Does an RLP Letter Mean You Have a Criminal Record?
No. Receiving an RLP letter does not itself establish a criminal conviction.
The letter relates to a civil recovery matter. Criminal proceedings are a separate process.
Citizens Advice explains that a business may pursue civil compensation instead of criminal action or alongside criminal proceedings.
Whether a person has a criminal record depends on what happens in any separate criminal matter, not simply on receiving an RLP letter.
What Is the RLP Dishonesty Register?
Citizens Advice also notes that people contacted by Retail Loss Prevention may be told that their details will be kept on a national database of incidents of dishonesty. It says individuals have rights concerning information held about them and can seek further information or raise concerns with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
This is a separate issue from the civil payment claim, so anyone concerned about information held about them should look at the relevant data-protection rights rather than assuming the RLP letter and database issue are the same thing.
What Should You Do After Receiving an RLP Letter?
There is no single response that is right for every situation.
A sensible first step is to read the letter carefully and establish exactly what is being alleged and what amount is being claimed.
If you believe the allegation is wrong, consider getting independent advice and responding with the relevant facts and evidence.
If you accept that there may be liability but cannot afford the amount requested, RLP says financial negotiations and instalment arrangements may be possible.
If you are unsure about your legal position, an independent solicitor or qualified adviser can assess the circumstances. Citizens Advice recommends seeking advice when deciding how to respond to a civil demand.
Frequently Asked Questions About RLP Letters
What does RLP stand for?
RLP stands for Retail Loss Prevention. Retail Loss Prevention Limited provides civil-recovery services for retailers.
Is an RLP letter a criminal charge?
No. An RLP letter concerns a civil recovery claim. Criminal proceedings, if any, are separate.
Is an RLP letter the same as a fine?
No. An RLP claim is not the same thing as a criminal fine imposed by a court.
Can I dispute an RLP letter?
Yes. If you believe the allegation or claimed liability is wrong, you can dispute it. RLP says a dispute should explain what happened and why the alleged wrongful action did not occur.
Can RLP take me to court?
A retailer may potentially pursue a civil claim through the courts. RLP says its pre-action process is intended to resolve matters before court proceedings, but it also states that its clients can resort to the legal process when matters are not resolved.
What happens if I cannot afford the RLP amount?
RLP says financial negotiations and instalment arrangements may be possible. Evidence of financial circumstances may also be considered.
Does receiving an RLP letter mean I have a criminal record?
No. An RLP letter is connected with a civil recovery claim and does not itself create a criminal conviction.
Should I ignore an RLP letter?
Ignoring the letter carries risks. RLP says lack of communication can lead its client to pursue the legal process, while Citizens Advice warns that ignoring a demand can result in further correspondence or legal action.
Final Thoughts
An RLP letter is generally a form of correspondence concerning a retailer’s civil recovery claim. It can follow an alleged shoplifting, theft, refund-related incident or another event that the retailer believes caused a loss.
The most important distinction is between a civil claim and a criminal charge. Receiving an RLP letter does not by itself mean that a person has been convicted of a crime or that a court has decided they owe the claimed amount.
The letter should be read carefully, including the details of the alleged incident, the amount being claimed and the available response options. Someone who disputes the allegation should consider obtaining independent advice and responding with the relevant facts. Someone who cannot afford the amount may be able to discuss payment arrangements, while ignoring the correspondence can carry the risk of further action.
Because individual circumstances can differ significantly, this information is intended as general information rather than legal advice. Anyone facing a disputed or potentially serious claim should consider getting independent legal or consumer advice.