Stopped a shoplifting Teen...and reported him - would you?
By Tallygirl09
@Tallygirl09 (1380)
United States
March 26, 2010 3:54am CST
I was in a small store yesterday picking up s few things. When I came into the store, right behind me was a small group of teen age boys. It was a small specialty grocery store so that was abit unusual. Well as I was deciding on what salsa to get, I saw one of the fellows out of the corner of my eye come up to the same section as I was in. I turned to let him by as my cart might have been in his way and saw him shove a beef jerky packet into his jacket.
Without thinking, I asked him, what do you think you are doing? He was stunned and said sorry, dropped the packet and bolted from the store. Then I saw his friends go running out of the store too. This is the 2nd time in just a few months that I have seen shoplifting. Next thing I knew, an employee was asking me what happened and so I told him and he went to get the manager.
Chatted with the manager who explained they had cameras in place and he'd pull the tape and contact the police, I gave my name etc. Now I feel just abit guilty. It was wrong what he did but maybe he was hungry. I think I'd have felt differently if it was a candy bar or something like that but beef jerky is more like food. What do you think? Would you have reported it or kept quiet?
2 responses
@timhinyy (1653)
• United States
28 Mar 10
It is a hard thing to ignore when it happens right in front of you so once it happen and it caught their attention you are pretty much stuck and since the camera saw the whole thing you pretty much just have to tell the truth, as the camera does not lie and it is too bad that the kid thought beef jerky was worth that much trouble.
as you never know what that person's situation is and what made them think that a little beef jerky was worth it, but when you are stuck in the middle of an unfortunate thing like that, and not of your making.
you just have to do what you have to do and maybe you feel a little guilty about it, but it was not you that did wrong and that kid will probably think twice before doing anything like that again so in a way you are helping them learn a valuable life lesson.
@Tallygirl09 (1380)
• United States
28 Mar 10
It definitely took me by surprise! I was planning a recipe in my mind and deciding on different flavors and then suddenly I am watching a crime happen before my eyes. I don't feel bad anymore. In fact, not only do I think the crime should be reported, I hope they do find him. He needs to learn that there are repercussions for crimes and maybe if he learns it now, He'll turn his life around. I think most thieves start out small and progress if they aren't caught. In any case, I can say that the shop owner works hard and deserves to have justice for anyone who tries to steal from him.
And you are right, the camera's had me on the tape and even if no one saw it, I'd still know it was wrong and I'd have to live with it. I didn't even know they had the cameras until I was told about it. I did know they had mirrors that reflect the back side of the store so the cashier can see what is going on but behind them are the cameras. I don't steal and there are plenty of things I'd like but I'd never take them without paying. There is a sense of morals that my parents instilled in me and sadly, it seems to be lacking in some today. If the police find him, he'll learn the hard way that it's not acceptable behavior for anyone. He already knew it but did it anyway so he needs to stop that before it's more serious. Thanks for sharing!! Take care and be well!!
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
26 Mar 10
i would feel the same way but i would have reported it anyway. there are several ways to help them and for me it s not tolerating their bad deeds.
@Tallygirl09 (1380)
• United States
28 Mar 10
I felt kinda stuck by the situation and the camera security would have proven that I'd seen it and not sure if they had audio or not but if so that wouldn't have helped either. I got a call from the police today and will be making a "formal" statement next week. The way I am looking at it, thieves start out small and then progress so hopefully, this teen will get the message that he needs to stop now. Thanks for sharing!!
