Real-life MMD: I saw a homeless man steal food - should I have reported it?

Former_MSE_Debs · 18 December 2013 at 5:44PM

Money Moral Dilemma: I saw a homeless man steal food - should I have reported it?

I think (though can't be sure) I saw a homeless man steal a salad from Pret A Manger. Should I have reported him? I know it's a crime to steal, but this really tested my conscience.

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[Deleted User] · 23 December 2013 at 6:30PM

If it were me, I'd probably report it after the event, at a point where it's too late to chase him down the road, but so they can brief staff on keeping up vigilance and security to prevent future recurrence before it happens. (i.e. by asking the man if he's forgotten to pay next time he tries it)

nikki299 · 24 December 2013 at 12:20AM

I wouldn't have reported it. He probably needed the food more than pret a manger needs the few quid it cost.

bigbugboo · 24 December 2013 at 2:14AM

If you see a person in need, don't report him, he's in enough trouble already if the only way he can feed himself is to steal. Step in and help the guy out. Pay for his meal and a drink too. Kindness like this costs so little. This is someone's son or father, what if it were yours?

savykate · 24 December 2013 at 2:58AM

Definitely not worry about reporting it. The guy has enough to worry about as it is but as bigbugboo said, a little kindness goes a heck of a long way.

babushkava · 24 December 2013 at 5:59AM

The OP says, "I think (though can't be sure)...", so there is no evidence, thus nothing to report.

nonnatus · 24 December 2013 at 9:22AM

How did you KNOW he was homeless??

Maybe he was one of the "Career Beggars" that make £80 a day begging whilst also renting a home and getting benefits!!??

Yes, you SHOULD have reported it. Theft (especially petty theft like shoplifting) affects all of us, keeps prices high etc.

If the man was genuinely starving to death (!?) why has he picked a Pret salad?? He was stealing because that's the easy way for him. Less hassle than accessing the massive amounts of support available for people like him.

I just don't understand the thinking that says "Aww, it's Xmas, he obviously REALLY needed that expensive salad, let's all look the other way for today..."

Bah. Humbug to all of you Softies.

Ken68 · 24 December 2013 at 9:42AM

If the man looked homeless to you then he would have looked the same to the staff, therefore an opportunity for them (or you) to help.

stmartinsdiver · 24 December 2013 at 10:30AM

If it went to court can you imagine the reaction if when called as the witness you you said you were not even sure if it had happened?
The man may or may or not have been homeless but eithr way it's too late now so no decision to make but you might just like to suggest to the shop manager that they keep a close eye on stock walking out without it being paid for..

his_missus · 24 December 2013 at 12:14PM

babushkava wrote: »

The OP says, "I think (though can't be sure)...", so there is no evidence, thus nothing to report.

I agree with this.

pivotalgubbins · 24 December 2013 at 12:30PM

My question is this - do MSE feel obliged to run this feature? My view is that if a 'dilemma' is as rubbish as this then it really doesn't need to be in the newsletter (which is otherwise filled with good content). This isn't a one-off though, I can't remember the last one that didn't make me sigh!

Drop, replace or rest this please MSE! :money:

Real-life MMD: I saw a homeless man steal food - should I have reported it?

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