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age
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anonymous
writes: okay so my friend shoplifted an expensive necklace a week ago and i didnt say anything, but i think her mother is suspicious,and i am going to go to her house in two days when her mother is going to be there and i think that she might end up talking to me about her suspicions. should i tell her what my friend did? i didnt participate and i think if i told her mother she would probably get grounded from going to a dance coming up in a week. should i lie to her mother or tell the truth? please help! Reply to this Question |
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male
reader, WizardOfWaz  + ♥, writes (16 June 2008):
 I think Uncle Sneakers idea is a good one. Return it in a padded envelope adressed FAO The Manager and pop it into their letterbox before the store opens.
I would also get your friend (not you) to add a note; "I took this necklace from your store to show off to my friend but it was just a joke. I'm scared to put it back in case I get seen and it looks like I am stealing it. So Im putting it into your mail instead.I'm very sorry for taking it and I still feel really bad about that."
The chances are the theft could have been seen on cctv. But if after returning it you get contacted by the cops just say sorry and offer to work in the store for a day to make up for the "joke".
So if it is quickly returned the cops and the store will just see you both as a pair of silly wee lassies (which I believe you both are) not really career theives. And the matter will probably not go any further.
Regards
Waz
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reader, anonymous, writes (16 June 2008): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionthanks so much xxxooo
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (16 June 2008): If her mother asks outright, you can tell her mother that you don't want to betray your friend's confidence.
If your friend won't return the necklace, maybe it's time to drift away from her and find friends who aren't a time bomb of trouble.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 June 2008): My freinds shoplifted when I was younger, I was never tempted to tell their parents. Its something young kids do, God even I did it. Guess what, I got caught and so did my freinds, getting escourted by security guards is a bigger wake up call than parents yelling any day.She won't trust you and you may lose a freind if you tell, just leave your mate up too it and just remain on the right side yourself. She WILL GET CAUGHT, I promise you that.
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male
reader, Uncle Sneaker + ♥, writes (15 June 2008):
 If your friend makes a habit of shoplifting, then she needs to be stopped before she gets herself into real trouble - so yes, telling her mother is by far the best option.
If this really was a silly one-off, then I suggest you persuade her to put the necklace into an envelope and take it back to the shop quickly and quietly - and pretend it never happened.
I should probably point out that neither of those options is legally correct. I'm sure the law is similar where you are to the UK laws - and if you know about a crime then you should tell the police otherwise you can be in trouble yourself.
I'm sure you will make the right decision.
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reader, anonymous, writes (15 June 2008): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionthanks guys for your input. i am planning to tlak to my friend about returning it
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male
reader, WizardOfWaz + ♥, writes (15 June 2008):
If you were there when your friend stole the necklace then you will be viewed as just as culpable. As far as the Law will be concerned you are both a pair of theives. Even if you weren't present you are still unlawfully concealing knowledge of the crime.
So you should consider this before grassing up your accomplice to anyone. Would be more helpful (and honest) if you discussed it with HER first, and persuade her to return the stolen property to it's rightful owners.
If you felt that guilty about it that would have been your first thought not dropping your mate in the shit with her mum. There is still time for you both to return the necklace and you could even do it anonomously if you prefer.
Then you can both get on with your lives with a clear conscience.
Regards
Waz
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female
reader, missaqua777 +, writes (15 June 2008):
 well you should let your friend know that you disapprove of his actions and i think you should be honest with his mum because what he did was wrong so maybe she could persuade him to return it in some way (if that's possible might be too risky) also if he was caught she would never trust him or you again for lying about a big thing like that and shes his mum she'll understand. a little while ago my best friend was wrongly accused of stealing a pearl bracelet and i KNOW she didnt do it and my mum already thought she was a proper bad infleunce on me she wouldnt believe me even though she was PROVEN innocent the point is if she had stole it i wouldve confided in her the truth because i know that if she found out she ahd done it she would have been like "she is a bad influence yh my suspisions were right etc" if he wants to maintain a healthy trustworthy relationship with his mum it's best to be open-if possible try and persuade him to tell his mum. he made a mistake and it's never too late to repair things he should be open and show remorse and it will probably blow over. and remember to let your friend know that youre telling on him because it's the right thing to do by everyone :)
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reader, anonymous, writes (15 June 2008): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionwow thats a sad story. thanks for you feedbakc and advice, i really appreciate.
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male
reader, dude1  +, writes (15 June 2008):
 Yes, you should. If this becomes a habit with your friend, she could end up in jail/prison. If she is having problems, then now is the time to deal with it.
I was dating a girl, when one day, she disappeared. I found out a few days later, her and another ex had shoplifted and were caught. Do to her age, she was forced by the courts to live with her mom. I ended up leaving the state and left a letter at her dad's house. She received it and replied, but now I was far away. To bad, I really like her allot.
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