A couple years ago, I accidentally walked out without paying. I did slide my credit card but didn’t pay attention to what happened. I thought I was done and left, but apparently it didn’t actually work. A minute later they chased me down, but they just let me come back and pay. No big deal.

I don’t know if it was because I was cooperative, or claimed innocence or was white

It’s also helpful that I have notification on for that card. I proved to myself immediately that the charge didn’t work and it was just me not getting paying attention

Hello from France. Our countries don't admit to themselves how racist they still are and how much of a poison it is. I hope your friend is OK.

That's crazy, it's the tills job to weigh the items and report error if it doesn't add up, how would that be my fault? I'd hope to be innocent unless cameras prove I put the yoghurt in my pocket.
Not that I love cameras tracking my every move, but that's another topic...