Good character help please

[Crystalstar]

Hi, i am applying for my mums’s citizen naturalisation on her behalf. She has held her permanent residence for over 15 years, now finally decided to apply for citizenship. Unfortunately she was involved in an incident in a store for shoplifting about 14 years ago, which was totally out of her character. No police called, and she paid the fine as soon as a letter from the recovery company was received. I am wondering if I need to disclose this in the application? I have checked the other posts advising to ignore it, just want to make sure of it? Any help would be greatly appreciated , Crystal

[contorted_svy]

You can disclose it to be safe. it's been a long time and she hasn't reoffended so unlikely it will negatively affect the application. Just explain her character is now different and she deeply regrets it, and maybe mention any volunteering or similar she has done.

[Crystalstar]

Thanks for your kind reply. Is there any possibility that the application could be rejected if it’s not disclosed, after all the incident happened over 14 years ago. Mum said the store security staff confirmed with her it was the end of the incident as long as the fine was paid, her credit would never be affected. I am wondering if the immigration office can access the datas of the recovery company and the retail store? Sorry mum can’t provide any evidence for her voluntary work etc. i understand it’s a pain for her ,Any opinions are welcome, thanks again crystal

[contorted_svy]

If there was no criminal conviction or police warning you shouldn't have to disclose. In any case, it is always better to disclose rather than hope it doesn't come to light. Records of volunteering are not needed, if she can simply write a cover letter explaining where and when she volunteered.