Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Witness to accidental shoplifting. What would you do?

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Natey

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I recall seeing a little kid (4 or 5-year old?) taking something small off a shelf and putting it into his mother's partially open purse that was in their shopping cart. Mom was not a witness to this.

What would you do?
 
What did you do?
 
In most state's a 4 or 5 year child is legally incapable of committing a delinquent act.

Therefore, I'd mind my own business. If I saw I, I'm sure that one (or more than one) of the store's loss prevention personnel observed it, too.

Therefore, I'd stay out of it.

But, I rarely watch other people, and I never look at children; so I'd have never seen this.


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shrinkmaster said:
This is coming from same person who has told users on this forum to fight theft charges because they "accidentally" took something?
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Well, everyone is innocent UNTIL proven guilty in a court of law.

If you're accused of a crime, make the state PROVE its case.

Better yet, don't break any laws, that includes STEALING.

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mightymoose said:
Theft requires intent.
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Yes sir, correct as usual.

I can only add another two essential elements as that of "PERMANENTLY DEPRIVING" the owner use or enjoyment of his or her "PERSONAL" property (as opposed to REAL property).

Theft: The UNLAWFUL taking of the PERSONAL property of ANOTHER with the INTENT to PERMANENTLY deprive the owner to possess, use, or enjoy his/her property.
 
I wouldn't have done anything either & just walked away.
 
These days looking at children can get you branded as a "pedo". In some cases,that's good. In many cases,that's bad.

Hence, I never look at children unrelated to me, and women wearing skimpy clothing.

One doesn't grow old by being unable to adapt.


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Betty3 said:
I wouldn't have done anything either & just walked away.
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In some circles, that would be considered apathy (and I figured most of us would have reacted that way too). But doing anything here (especially by a guy) might have resulted in unexpected consequences.
 
Sometimes doing nothing makes the best sense depending on the situation.
 
What to do? Well you have several options

A. Report the incident to Store staff. Problem with this is most store policies would forbid them to make contact with the parent. Even if permitted it could cause an issue with customer which store does not want. More than likely store will do nothing more than watch Mom and child to see if additional item(s) are selected

B. Talk to the parent and let her know her child has selected an item from shelf and now has it. Problem with this is the Mo could become upset over this and cause a scene or scream at you. It is also possible Mom is using child for theft purposes (it does happen). Your drawing attention to this will likely have unpleasant effect.

C. Do nothing
 
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