What does being given a caution for theft mean and how can I fight it?

I had an unfortunate experience yesterday where I was detained by a chain
store under suspicion of shoplifting in Etobicoke, Ontario. What happened was that I had purchased an item at another store and while browsing spotted the same item in this store and swapped the two (it was a five dollar toy item) because of paint quality. I had approached sales staff in the past about this and they said so long as it was the same item it wasn't an issue. This was an honest misunderstanding and what happened was that I was given a caution by police. I feel an incredible amount of frustration and embarassment over a situation that I feel I shouldn't even be in (though I do understand their point of view).

My question is what exactly does a 'caution' entail and whether or not this will show up on any criminal record check. My concern is that this stupid incident will harm my chances for future employment in educational or social services fields. I am 38 and have not had any other problems with the law in the past.

Should I argue against the caution? What does it mean? What are the odds
that the officer who responded actually entered it in the system? I want to protect myself against something that I feel has been blown out of proportion.

Thanks for your help.

Is anyone able to provide their thoughts/opinions over this warning?

[tswift]

Originally Posted by Unregistered Is anyone able to provide their thoughts/opinions over this warning?

Your OK. Nothing will be on your records. Take the "caution" just as it sounds. Your OK buddy!