What should be documented by a merchant before initiating civil demand proceedings?

Before initiating civil demand proceedings, it is crucial for a merchant to document appropriate evidence of the theft incident. This evidence serves as the foundation for the civil demand, ensuring that the merchant possesses concrete proof of the theft that occurred. Proper documentation may include video footage, eyewitness accounts, photographs of the scene, and any relevant reports made at the time of the incident.

Having this evidence is essential not only for substantiating the claim but also for complying with legal standards and procedures associated with civil recovery. Without sufficient evidence, the request for civil damages may not withstand scrutiny in court, making it imperative for merchants to have a solid basis for their claims.

The other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not directly relate to the prerequisites for initiating civil demand proceedings. For instance, details of the recovery process pertain more to the operational aspects after a theft rather than establishing the initial premise for civil action. Advertising costs are unrelated to theft incidents, and while criminal charges issued can provide context, they are not strictly necessary for a civil demand process.