General Chat

I think you will find that shops monitor for shoplifters, so they would , know if it was just a one off or someone shoplifts on a regular basis

Even if they repeatedly try their luck?

I work for a large retail company and our policy is not to prosecute anyone over retirement age...

Hi all, It angers me that our oap's have to do that kind of thing to live! We as a nation treat them appallingly, and one day it'll be our turn.

Tricky one. For all I know, she might not be poor, and maybe makes a habit of doing it!! Joy

It is shoplifting at what ever age,looking at it another way, if you reported her,I don't think she would be charged, and then maybe she would be put in touch with someone who would help her get enough benefits,so that she need not steal.....on the other hand she could be a regular shoplifter,who steals groceries and other things on a regular basis, how are you to know......as a pensioner myself, these days if we claim all our benefits, we do have enough to live on, my income is only basic entitlements ,but i never have to go without food... admitted we do have to budget.......so Daniel its a tough question,

Mind you, if I was in the same position, id steal something far easier to disguise, bread tends to look a bit bulky...(not that I know from experience lol) E x

Jo, I would do the same. I wouldn't want to get involved. Lucia :-)

Arthur Ahh at 9am I was gassing outside the school gates, diddnt see you drive past or i would have waved lol Elaine x

I'd grass her up theft is theft no matter what age u are and its us that pay for it in the long run with rising prices Paul

I'd keep quiet

I woulddo the same as Chrissie. The old lady may have some form of dementia and may not realise what she was doing was wrong. It may be that she has no family to help her. I have had to stop leaving my Mum by the pick n mix in Woolworths because she helps herself as soon as I take my eyes off her - she can't help it. its just a sad fact of old age Lynda.

I don't know. It's only hypothetical, but the woman may have lost all her money through gambling or she may have had genuine misfortune. I was just wondering what people would do (or what they would hope they would do) in a situation like this.

yes youre right Daniel Stealing is stealing. but if there is a security guard, its his job to catch her, not mine. Also, this lady may be genuinely in need, or she may do it for the thrill as she keeps her money under the mattress.... Elaine x

Some would say you shouldn't get away with stealing because of your age.

Hi Daniel. I like Chrissie Smiffs answer and I agree with her. Nobody gets hurt this way. Neil

After she has left the shop, go and pay for the loaf telling them that she is sorry she forgot. Approach the old lady and ask if you can help to carry her shopping. Chat to her and see if there is anything you can do to help. Chrissie

. I shut up If she wants to get caught its up to her. After all most shops have cctv. Elaine x

At the local shop, you see a poor elderly woman, about 80, shoplift a loaf of bread. Do you tell the security guard, or take sympathy on her and keep quiet?