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

mr-mixalot

I wouldn't bother reporting it, I believe Pret give away any leftover sandwiches / salads at the end of the day so all he did was take his earlier than he should have

JeremyCH

Always a difficult one and also difficult to reply without sounding priggish or overly moralistic howver, the bottom line is that when someone steals we all have to pay the price. I note one of the earlier contributers asked if Pret needeed the extra £3, but a proportion of the cost of everything we purchase is going to fund what is euphamisticly described as 'shrinkage'.

If I had been there I would have made the report (I have done so in the past) and would have been prepared to go to Court as a witness; whether the shop would have done anything about it is a whole nother matter> I would also ask how you could know the man was homeless?

On a more general point I tend only to give money to sellers of The Big Issue when it comes to begging.

Hope this is of some help

Ken68

Maybe he hoped to get caught, and spend the night somewhere warm.

oldnewhand

Let's just assume you KNOW he stole the salad and is definitely homeless, which you don't.
It is wrong to steal - so report it.
It is wrong that there are homeless people -so report that to the local authority...guess which is likely to be dealt with.

Given the actual circumstances in all truthfulness IF I was in pret a manger which is highly unlikely - I read Martin so would have probably packed my lunch at home or found somewhere cheaper! I might have a quiet word to an assistant and cowardly pass the buck from my conscience.
I do feel sorry for anyone that is homeless but although I know I should not sit in judgement many are homeless due to their choices - drugs, alcohol or any other addiction for which there is help if you admit to the addiction. There are others who are homeless due to the ineptitude of local authorities in providing the services we pay our taxes to cover or worse still as part of "care in the community" which doesn't live up to it's name or expectations so they really do need help to provide food and shelter.

jorok

I have reported Thieves (stupidly called shoplifters) in the past and had negative responses from the shopkeepers. I therefore regretfully now leave it to them to control thieving from their shops. and probably pay more for my goods as a result.
I would however stand as a witness to the theft if requested.

jorok

reluctantworkingmum wrote: »

It is Xmas - It is bitterly cold - and your conscience was 'tested' because you thought you saw someone who was going to sleep in a doorway that night steal some overpriced food to eat? If your conscience was tested why didn’t mollify it by paying it for him before you went home to your nice warm centrally heated house?

What a moralistic attitude. Goods are overpriced due to theft. If you really have a conscience, take the person into YOUR 'nice warm centrally heated house'.
The problem will only be solved by reducing homelessness.

Super-saver_3

babushkava wrote: »

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

There is no legal obligation to report him, I can get the authority if needed. I wouldn't have reported him, I may have done as has been previously suggested, and paid for a meal.

What a sad world this is - I hate to think of anyone hungry!

Trix3y

Could not believe some of comments on this article.The whole issue has to be the need to steal food.Seems to be misunderstanding on the concept of being homeless,and the fact there is a lot of help and support out there to access. Fact homeless single men and women have little support,and no one it appears seem interested that in the 21st century people are still sleeping outside.Politicians in your cosy homes,with comfortable salaries and perks should all hang your heads in shame.This last recession has been brutal,and many people have been driven to the edge by losing their jobs, homes and families.Maybe some people do drink and take drugs,but if I was forced to live in the streets I would probable do the same.

ronangel

Trix3y wrote: »

Could not believe some of comments on .This last recession has been brutal,and many people have been driven to the edge by losing their jobs, homes and families.Maybe some people do drink and take drugs,but if I was forced to live in the streets I would probable do the same.

I would not take drugs or drink in that situation but take all the help I could get ASAP to have a roof over my head. If you go to these help centers drunk or drugged up less lightly to help you. Depending on individual circumstances these things do not happen overnight, if about to lose home find cheap furnished room in area BEFORE you are homeless, and rent it. WHEN homeless if it gets that far.. go to council for rent assistance as you will have very little or no money and have been living in the area for quite some time, and sign job centre ect if out of work. C.A.B will advise better than I could details of what to do.

sabretoothtigger

The inception moment is when you realise they give food in prison.