Regency Shoplifting

In August of 1799, Jane Austen's aunt, "the respectable Mrs Leigh Perrot, was accused of shoplifting. It seems that a piece of white lace was 'accidentally' wrapped in a parcel of purchases that she had made with her husband. When the case was eventually brought before the Taunton Assizes the verdict was 'not guilty' and it appears that this was a blackmail attempt by the shop. Nevertheless, Mrs Leigh Perrot had been charged with attempted larceny and committed to the Ilchester gaol from August 1799 until the trial in March 1800 [...] Had she been found guilty the sentence could have been fourteen years transportation or even death"!
~from Jane Austen Fashion by Penelope Byrde