Legal compensation for shoplifting - Legal aid

Questioner

In connection with a single shoplifting incident, I received a letter from the AMW foundation in which compensation of 182.59 euros was claimed on behalf of the shopkeeper. As far as I know, this amount is a standard amount of 181 euros plus the price of the product that I had opened. I am certainly prepared to compensate for the damage suffered. However, in my opinion, the foundation must substantiate further under civil law what damage was suffered in this case. One employee spent about half an hour digitally filing a report and issuing me with a shop ban. So I think it is quite a hefty amount. Does it make sense to defend myself and, if necessary, have the case brought before the subdistrict court? And what should be taken into account, for example in terms of costs? (Question 1) The letter already refers to a bailiff and the costs involved. In my opinion, he can only take action if there is a verdict. Is that correct and is this therefore pure threatening language? (Question 2) Thank you in advance for your answer.

Lawyer

You should simply pay that compensation and a procedure at the court will certainly not make sense, also not considering the costs that this entails and you will already lose more with this. My advice is to simply pay the bill and not wait for the bailiff, because with this too you will already lose more in interest and collection costs.

Questioner

I wanted to say thanks for the response. But the content is such that I'll just leave it at that for now. 'You simply have to reimburse.' A truly legally sound answer!