A life of crime

[updowns]

Well my sweet angel (NOT) turned to a life of crime. We went to the store and she helped herself to gum which she secreted in her handbag and showed me when we got home So we returned to the store pretty pronto (with me ranting all the way!) and found one of the managers, got Sarah to hand over the stolen goods and apologise. Now I was worried she would be "too" nice to Sarah but she was brilliant and gave her a severe telling off and told her how disappointed she was with her etc etc and Sarah is crying and saying "I'm sorry, won't do it again" (there was another manager present too - young guy and I thought HE was going to cry! His face mirrored Sarahs!!!! Phew, glad I didn't get him to deal with her).

I think we have nipped her criminal tendencies in the bud - we gave her such a hard time I don't think she will ever try that again. I hope

Stella

[momofrussell]

Aw Stella!!! Glad the manager was FIRM with her.. spec needs or not... any smiles or sympathy will NOT teach you anything in this situation!!!!

Did she tell you WHY she did it? just wanted to try the stealing? Or did the gum look good and thought you'd say no? Just curious....

A.

[Emilysmom]

Awwww Stella..........I'll bet it will be a really LONG time before Sarah does anything like that again! I have always thought the way you handled this is EXACTLY the way to do it. We did it with Jordan many years ago at Target, and he still remembers how hard it was to tell the manager what he did. That manager was so good.........told him he knew how much little boys loved gum, but he simply could NOT steal it. To my knowledge, he hasn't done anything like that again!! And, I hope Sarah doesn't either.

And LOL I don't think she'll be in prison any time soon!! HUGS to you and her!!

Susan

[updowns]

A, think she just wanted it. When she showed me she was delighted with herself and I really don't think she understands the concept of stealing as opposed to paying for stuff, even though I have always emphasised that stuff has to be paid for before it is sampled etc. What I couldn't figure out was how and when she did it! She musta been quick! Only time she wasn't right by me was when I got her to put the basket back where they belong and I was talking to someone so wasn't watching her closely but she was still in my line of vision. Don't even know where they stack these gums but obviously Sarah does! For about a week I refused to take her to the store with me, reminding her why and in the last couple of days have allowed her to accompany me and she has been as good as gold - still taking things off the shelves that she wants but putting them back straight away, no arguments, when I tell her to.

Stella

[Chris]

My older daughter stole a package with a sparkling necklace and nailpolish from the drugstore when she was three. I heard her crumpling something in the backseat and marched her right back into the store. The cashier was very harsh and told her she was lucky that the police didn't come, put hand cuffs on her and throw her in jail. My poor daughter was literally shaking. Would you believe she still remembers this incident? I felt so bad for her at the time but knew it was best that the lady was so harsh.

Chris

[ValerieC]

I think a lot people go through this at one time in their life. I was 10. I was caught in a store taking tape off a roll that had my name "Valerie" all over it. The tape really said, "Valerie" again and again and again. Not even thinking it was stealing, I took my name from the tape. My cousin did the same with her name and we were caught. I was terrified and ashamed, and embarrassed to say the least.

I never did anything close to it again.

Stella, I hope she learned her lesson too!

Valerie C

[CC]

Awwww STELLA, sorry but

LOLOLROF the title to your post "Life of Crime"


Awwww NOPE I just don't see SWEET SARAH going down that road

You did the right thing girl but Hmmmm you know they keep that gum/candy out there right in our faces, as if its there for our pickings, KWIM LOL

BLESS SARAH yes she has to learn she can't just take but OMG girl you post was just tooooo cute

K, I am here to admit that when I grocery shop I try the grapes LOL BAD Me

CC ~

[updowns]

LOL CC, I used to do that too but I am a reformed character, ROFL

Actually have a confession to make - did it myself when I was a kid - can't remember what age I was or what I took but my Mom marched me back and all I can remember is the shame and embarrassment of admitting my crime, musta worked cos I've managed to stay out of prison since!

Stella

[rickismom]

boy are you luckey that the manager cooperated so well!

[Debbie]

It is good that they handled it in a harsh way. It shows that this is not tolerated in stores.

When I was young my sister and I stole some of those hard bubble gum that were covered in red and yellow paper. Do you remember those? They were only a couple of pennies back then. Another time when I was older I took some candy. My sister who is younger than me told me to give it back. I was very embarassed! I decided that I would not do that anymore. I guess we all go through that. I was not good at lying and I still can't do that without my face showing it.

[Kristen]

When I was a kid I swiped some lifesavers. My mom asked where I got them and I said my grandma and when she asked i said my mom. What I was thinking, I have no clue. I was maybe 4 or 5 I would guess, so who really know what goes on in those little heads. I got brought right back in where I had to tell the manager everything includig the lies and he laughed and said no big deal, keep them, but I had to give them back. Fortunately I was shamed enough that I never did it again, even though the guy didn't seem to care at all!