I Ignored A Shoplifter Today

[GymLadTim]

I was in a food shop this afternoon and wanted to reach for an item that was on a top shelf. An old man was standing in front of the area I wanted to access bent over looking at something on the bottom shelf.

Eventually I decided just to stand behind him and reach over him to get my item because he was taking ages and I did so. As I stood over him I looked down and witnessed him put about four jars of coffee into his bag and zip it up. He then noticed me and realised that I had seen what he had done. He smiled and said "what they don't know wont hurt em" and walked off. I was mortified but did not do or say anything.

My head is now spinning. Should I have confronted the old man? reported him to the shop staff? Should I have asked him if he was okay - maybe he has financial issues and I could have signposted him to the CAB? But why four jars of coffee? Have I committed a criminal offence by not doing anything? Should I go back to the shop and tell them tomorrow?

What would you do?

[jim360]

I don't get why that's so exciting ! But sure ! Who would have thought Instant Coffee is so popular !!!

[naomi24]

Some stole several large jars of coffee every week - and the shop let him keep them? I don't believe that.

[naomi24]

*someone*

[andres]

No wonder prices are going up . It's not Brexit. It's all the shoplifting that's being allowed to go on.

[brainiac]

If you had witnessed a mugging or physical attack on someone, or someone breaking into a house or business premises I could understand your worries. But four jars of instant coffee? Just forget about it.

[douglas9401]

Can't be bothered looking back but I've a memory, false or otherwise of Eddie and statements that tinned salmon was the most nicked gear.

Maybe it's seasonal round his way.

[maggiebee]

Can't remember exactly when this happened, but you don't have to be poor, or a pensioner, to shoplift.

"Celebrity TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson, who was arrested for shoplifting low-value items from Tesco, has apologised for his actions.

Worrall Thompson, who is best known for his appearances in ‘Ready Steady Cook’ and ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’ in 2003, was caught red-handed on a hidden camera stealing the items from a Tesco store in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.

A camera was set up amid concerns that the famed chef had been stealing from the store five times over a 16-day period."

[david small]

One jar mind my own business. Four jars I’d inform staff.

[andres]

In one of our supermarkets the coffee had to be removed from the shelves and was only sold from behind the cash desk. Tinned salmon has fallen out of favour. It's spirits ,coffee, large pieces of beef and nappies at the moment. In fact they've had to put security tags on the meat.

[hereIam]

I saw an elderly lady I knew once having a quick shufty round and popping some dog food into her bag. I didn't say anything and I've never regretted it.

[Bazile]

Is there any legal requirement to report someone shoplifting ?

I don't believe there is - so stop beating yourself up about the incident
It's not your problem

[Prudie]

I now wish I'd seen similar - I can't remember the last time I garnered over 50 responses :-)

[mallyh]

thieves grow old as I witnessed when I worked in a shop, an old lady who looked like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth put loads of jersey spuds in her bag and came to the counter to pay for a lettuce and I asked her if I could weigh her spuds ,she paid for them but was clearly hacked off i'd seen her .

[Bazile]

//I now wish I'd seen similar - I can't remember the last time I garnered over 50 responses :-)//

Oh come now Prudie - you know what subject to post on to garner a century + posts

[GymLadTim]

Hi all, an update on the situation. Well I didn't sleep well worrying about this but on my way home from college I plucked up the courage to go into the shop and explained to the manager what had happened. It turns out the old gentleman is well known to shop staff and he has been caught steeling before.

Phew, glad that's resolved. :-)