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Would you report an elderly shoplifter, or let it go?
Susan 126530226-Aug-24
The other day, I noticed an elderly woman shoplift in a grocery store. I felt sorry for her - she must have been low on money to buy food, and so she was stealing.
Would you report an elderly shoplifter or let it go OR
maybe offer to buy the item for her?
Comments
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  • Terry 1550339
    Maybe he or she has worked all their lives and don't know about all of the programs available. I know plenty of people like that.
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    • Terry 1550339
      I would not turn the shopper in but I would offer to pay for his merchandise so he doesn't have to go through the embarrassment of stealing and dealing with the police.
      ·
      • Carrie 1475823
        I would let it go.
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        • Connie B 1227041
          I wouldn’t report her. I would offer to help her.
          ·
          • Leonie 1563272
            I am 73 years of age. I pay for my groceries. I know it’s hard times but stealing is not the answer.
            ·
            • Pretty Dangerous
              It is not my place nor none of my business.
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              • Brenda 1521418
                I would offer to help but never give cash. Had someone I gave A$50.00 to buy a loaf of bread and packet of cigarettes. Not 15 minutes later I saw them playing the pokies where I work. A lesson learned. I will help buy foods or other essentials but that's it.
                ·
                • Morenita
                  I’d ask her if she wants help lol
                  ·
                  • Katrina T 1019092
                    I would pay for their shopping
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                    • Jack M 393074
                      I do not believe that shoplifting by the elderly or the poor should even be noticed by the security retards hired by the stores. It is an invasion of privacy. Besides if someone is desperate enough to shoplift, would you prefer the penalty in Les Miserables for stealing a loaf of bread? BTW, the police cannot arrest a shoplifter unless and untiul they elave the premises because they will always say they were going to pay for the item(s). Watch Adam-12 once in awhile. In Perry Mason's 'Shoplifter's Shoe' case, he came close to having the old lady shoplifter sue the store for false arrest!
                      ·
                      • stephen m 596524
                        yes for many reasons the most being why are they doing it which unlike criminal theft may have a serious social problem
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                        • Mary M 329762
                          They was one later 70s run aways from a supermarket with big bag stuffs. A lady was faster then the workers. Years ago. I don't know what to do but go to cheap shop, green goccer, make home made/etc. I didn't have that much money but suvery help me so much in buying things I needs. My wage is the same as a pensioner wage. The pensioner get $2.50 transport but I pay full price. They get cheap on many things if over $100 or more medicine it's free but I pay full. I question why I work as I live day by day. I go cheap place to buy things to buy.
                          ·
                          • Connie B 1227041
                            These surveys help me a lot to be able to buy things I need. I stay on them all day and half the night but it pays off.
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                        • Ruth v
                          No
                          ·
                          • SUSIE W
                            Let it go or offer to buy. Aged pension is pretty low even though we are fortunate to have it in Australia
                            ·
                            • Pam G 449028
                              I would offer to pay for it, it’s tough getting by on a pension at the moment.
                              ·
                              • Cathy 1442359
                                No, groceries are so high, and income for elderly is not
                                ·
                                • Dimitri T 100433
                                  offer help
                                  ·
                                  • Linda Humby
                                    My conscience is cleaR. Let him be judged at the time of judgement. I mean, the law sucks a lot of times anyway, why get involved if its not going to have a positive impact on your immediate surroundings.
                                    ·
                                    • Kupkake420
                                      I'd let it go
                                      ·
                                      • Imperia S
                                        there are plenty of places for people to get food for nothing eg. Food Bank, Salvation Army, etc.there is no need for stealing, they set bad examples to the younger crowd
                                        ·
                                        • View all 5 replies
                                        • Mary M 329762
                                          I again green goccer
                                          ·
                                        • Squeekums
                                          So say your teen is working in a supermarket, would you expect they confront a shoplifter - even if the risk to her personal safety is great? Staff are told to leave it, staff risk sacking for chasing shoplifters just FYI Them places are stretched beyond belief and often turn people away as they have nothing left to give
                                          ·
                                        • Imperia SSqueekums
                                          my kids are always told if you see something wrong happening, report it to some one in charge, I use to volunteer, at a food kitchen which is still current, they get products donated, than a team of Vollie's, cook approx. 150 meals, and then the homeless people will come in get a free meal and can help themselves to fruit and vegies, bread, and whatever Coles donates everything and people in need have to do go to the center, register their name and they walk away with a couple of cooked meals and sweets, plus whatever they need including vouchers for all sorts,, if it was not for my health problems I will still be there, helping and talking to everyone that came in, and that happened every Wednesday, and come Christmas they hold a meal which had at least 200 people attending
                                          ·
                                        • Terry 1550339
                                          Our government does nothing for the elderly and I know there is the Salvation Army but what if they can't give you what you are asking for. How embarrassing
                                          ·
                                        • SqueekumsImperia S
                                          Thats all well and good but i can guarantee if you tell someone working in the shop, even a manager, nothing will be done, they wont even take details Been on both sides - as a worker, we told do not confront at all As a shopper whos husband went to tell them about the woman who stole a trolley worth, worker literally shrugged their shoulders 'what can we do' No point reporting it
                                          ·
                                      • IdentifyAs
                                        I would pay for her and give extra too
                                        ·
                                        • Linda Humby
                                          I like that attitude !
                                          ·
                                        • IdentifyAsLinda Humby
                                          kindness costs you nothing, we need to look after our elderly
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                                      • Nola 1361810
                                        Would give him or her the money
                                        ·
                                        • Kirsty H 1016139
                                          I think..it is a sign they are really struggling. The police don't just slap cuffs on people. They do recognise when people are struggling and go out of there way to help some times. I have seen them buy people essentials, drop off food parcels and refer to community agencies. To ignore this...would not be helping the person.
                                          ·
                                          • Laura 1562764
                                            If they are still in the store, they haven’t stolen anything yet.
                                            ·
                                            • helen g 324397
                                              i would offer to buy the items for her
                                              ·
                                              • Helen 1543621
                                                A shoplifter is a shoplifter, regardless of age. I think I would like to buy the item for het
                                                ·
                                                • The ghost
                                                  He doesn’t look strong enough to lift shops.
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                                                  • Jerry 1392517
                                                    We have laws not only in our legal system, but it is one of the ten commandments "Thow shalt not steal." So yes I would report the shoplifter who sets a bad example for anyone seeing him and besides this fellow could be a millionaire so don't assume he's poor.
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                                                    • Squeekums
                                                      and nothing would be done - guarantee it Staff are instructed not to chase, not to confront Staff can and are sacked for confronting shoplifters Safety comes first and no one in a shop is payed enough to risk their wellbeing and physical safety
                                                      ·
                                                  • Timtam
                                                    If someone is shoplifting food or basic clothing I'm not saying anything regardless of age.
                                                    ·
                                                    • Jennifer S 320468
                                                      Let it go
                                                      ·
                                                      • Angela 1375255
                                                        No, they are feeling the cost of living much worse tha n others
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                                                        • KARL-HANS B
                                                          I would report it no one should steal
                                                          ·
                                                          • Wendy B 361582
                                                            I would offer to pay for it
                                                            ·
                                                            • Dianne B
                                                              Let it go 📍
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                                                              • Catalina
                                                                Report? No way. Help? Yes, if I can.
                                                                ·
                                                                • Jania S
                                                                  How do you know she didn't pay at register? WHAT DID U DO?
                                                                  ·
                                                                  • Susan 1265302
                                                                    I paid for her order
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                                                                • Judy T 470524
                                                                  I would definitely let it go. The elderly have enough to deal with and a lot of them are just scraping by.
                                                                  ·
                                                                  • Mary M 329762
                                                                    They may give all they money to kids no left over they self.
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                                                                • Cassie 1563122
                                                                  Depends on what they were stealing for one
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                                                                  • Paula J 395266
                                                                    This isn't an easy question to answer. Firstly there is the commandment not to do harm to anyone, but they are stealing and the cost gets passed on to the rest of us. Why is it different if it's an elderly person or a young person, it's still stealing isn't it? The Reject Shop has had a massive loss this past year which they put down to shop lifting, but what do they expect when they stick the checkout behind a wall of lollies etc.
                                                                    ·
                                                                    • View all 5 replies
                                                                    • Jania S
                                                                      Are you inferring you never break any commandment? IT also says to help the widow and elderly
                                                                      ·
                                                                    • Paula J 395266Jania S
                                                                      Yes, but not to help them steal. The saying God helps those that help themselves does not mean to steal.
                                                                      ·
                                                                    • Jania SPaula J 395266
                                                                      With respect. Better read your bible a little more carefully .... It also says He who is without sin throws the first stone. WHERE did you find God helps those that help themselves? So you have never stolen anything??? WOW
                                                                      ·
                                                                    • Jania SPaula J 395266
                                                                      https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2017/06/did-you-know-the-saying-god-helps-those-who-help-themselves-isnt-in-the-bible/
                                                                      ·
                                                                    • Paula J 395266Jania S
                                                                      No, I have never stolen anything. Perhaps it's you who should think about throwing stones.
                                                                      ·
                                                                  • Rosie 563501
                                                                    Let it go , Or if I had the money I would pay for it
                                                                    ·
                                                                    • CourtneyM1993
                                                                      Yes, but before calling them out I would offer to buy them food , because if it was a young person we would get caught
                                                                      ·
                                                                      • Sarah G 76834
                                                                        Offer to buy the item for him or her.
                                                                        ·
                                                                        • Javier 1562841
                                                                          I would let him make it cause he needs bad
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                                                                          • Marcelle M
                                                                            Let him go. He needs groceries. Have mercy. He is not robbing people or banks.
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                                                                            • robyn m 1081749
                                                                              Pretend I didn't see it, in these financial times.
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                                                                              • Peter C 985325
                                                                                I would definitely offer to pay for it.
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                                                                                • KEITH D 111949
                                                                                  Report the matter , but offer to pay .
                                                                                  ·
                                                                                  • Rose S 88496
                                                                                    I’d probably ask them if I could buy the item for them
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                                                                                    • Ann 1498966
                                                                                      I would give her some money so she would be able to buy the item if I had the money. Here in Los Angeles County, reporting it wouldn't do any good to report it anyway. Shoplifters can steal whatever they want under $1000 and they won't go to jail.
                                                                                      ·
                                                                                      • Linda Humby
                                                                                        The police wont come to a New Zealand store either unless its over $1000 I recently heard.
                                                                                        ·
                                                                                    • Bidyut N
                                                                                      Definitely let it go. Also try to find out why he/she is doing it. If possible i will try to help
                                                                                      ·
                                                                                      • Rebecca 1508412
                                                                                        Tricky one
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                                                                                        • Kourtney 1561756
                                                                                          Let it go
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                                                                                          • Ellen P 667007
                                                                                            I probably wouldn't say anything - not judging the situation. Besides, these days, merchants don't even try to stop them. A certain chain drugstore watches people every single day come in and steal stuff without even trying to be sneaky. They tell the employees not to try and stop them for fear of getting hurt.
                                                                                            ·
                                                                                            • Natalie 1563082
                                                                                              Offer to pay
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                                                                                              • Greg B 520364
                                                                                                I would offer to pay for their goods. Or then I might let it go.
                                                                                                ·
                                                                                                • Beverly I
                                                                                                  I'm not sure maybe pay for what she is stealing
                                                                                                  ·
                                                                                                  • Barbara H 556241
                                                                                                    No I wouldn’t I would pay for it and then see if there was anything else I could do to help
                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                    • Jeanette H 503751
                                                                                                      Would not report pay all her shopping
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                                                                                                      • Linda B 907610
                                                                                                        I have run businesses and I have been on the receiving end of theft so I would report it. There is no excuse for theft. If you can't afford stuff then there are places to go and get help...... please don't comment that people are too proud to ask for help - they aren't too proud to steal!
                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                        • CourtneyM1993
                                                                                                          Exactly because if it was a young person we would get caught stealing is stealing
                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                      • Felicia B 103391
                                                                                                        I would pay for it
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                                                                                                        • Sonya F 68771
                                                                                                          give her some money
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                                                                                                          • Elizabeth 1354187
                                                                                                            I would step up and pay for there groceries
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                                                                                                            • Sabine V
                                                                                                              I would pay for their grocery as it tough this day to survive with every day living.
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                                                                                                              • Carolyn7 P
                                                                                                                I would always step up to help someone be honest, if I thought they were just in a situation that they didn't have any or enough money and really needed something.
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                                                                                                                • william 1389666
                                                                                                                  I would not assume that someone was stealing before they went to checkout, i could suspect if i saw someone putting something in their pocket but there maybe reasons for that.I would mind my own business, i am not paid to be a supermarket detective
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                                                                                                                  • Rebecca B 614374
                                                                                                                    That's a tough one. I do feel sorry for people who are having a hard time putting food on the table and making ends meet, especially with inflation being completely out of hand. However, these people who shoplift are making it even harder for everyone as it also contributes to inflated prices. I might be inclined to come alongside the person and offer to pay for the product for them if they were genuinely short of money. But there are also people out there who steal even when they have money - like they enjoy the thrill of obtaining something without being caught.
                                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                                    • Dottie 1043512
                                                                                                                      No
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                                                                                                                      • Carol S 657195
                                                                                                                        I probably wouldn't know what to do and would ignore it. There are food banks all around here so if she was by herself, she must be able to drive, but perhaps she doesn't qualify. People do fall through the cracks, like me. I make just a couple thousand dollars too much for most programs to qualify. They don't understand that one person without children still has high utilities, and I don't qualify for assistance.
                                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                                        • Julia 1528486
                                                                                                                          I would let it go.
                                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                                          • Luv ur
                                                                                                                            Also, comment #2, where I live organizations and non profits are literally everywhere to provide meals and assistance. If anyone here can get to a grocery store to lift an item(s), they can definitely get to one of these "charitable and purposeful" places to eat and get a take along meal to go, with zero judgement, because they exists with that exact mission.
                                                                                                                            ·
                                                                                                                            • Paul J 94868
                                                                                                                              I'd offer he/she a couple of $ if i had it on me....
                                                                                                                              ·
                                                                                                                              • Luv ur
                                                                                                                                Offer to pay, or tip off and say. It's not an age issue.
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                                                                                                                                • Daniel A 2
                                                                                                                                  I have set the alarms of a couple of times when the cashier didn't scan the thing I was buying properly. I thought they'd get cought any way. Maybe not if it was a small shop?
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                                                                                                                                  • Edith v
                                                                                                                                    NO!! I am elderly myself but I am not poor .I would go to the register with the person & pay for what they have taken & give the person $20 & advise them not to steal again
                                                                                                                                    ·
                                                                                                                                    • Squeekums
                                                                                                                                      I dont report anyone Not my circus, not my monkeys Ive also had kind people look the other way when i was a homeless teen needing sanitary supplies Dont bother reporting it in Aus - store staff cant do anything I worked at coles, if i confronted a shoplifter, even seen and reported by the public, i risked being fired for endangering myself. You dont know how they react to being confronted
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                                                                                                                                      • Claire H 392346
                                                                                                                                        I hear you l work for the competitor, we are told not to worry, keep our self safe. Not worth the effort
                                                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                                                      • SqueekumsClaire H 392346
                                                                                                                                        Thats it, staff safety has to come first, no matter what
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                                                                                                                                    • Taffy
                                                                                                                                      If they do steal report them and hope they get the help they need
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                                                                                                                                      • Jeanine R
                                                                                                                                        I feel sorry for the consumers that have to pay more money for goods that they buy because folks steal. I really understand but I am tired of things being more difficult for all the rest of us honest folks. Yeah it is my duty to say something.
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                                                                                                                                        • Luv ur
                                                                                                                                          Thank you for your words. I agree 1000%.
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                                                                                                                                      • Susan H 801435
                                                                                                                                        Not sure
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                                                                                                                                        • GRAEME W 313058
                                                                                                                                          Yes definitely, these actions help putting up the prices for everyone else
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                                                                                                                                          • just me- NZ
                                                                                                                                            lol That question made me laugh, I never thought of an elderly person shoplifting, but I suppose some do.
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                                                                                                                                            • Angela 1484008
                                                                                                                                              I'd go up to them and ask it I could help them.I would say I saw what happened and say you do need the trouble that may come.I'd also offer to pay for the groceries.
                                                                                                                                              ·
                                                                                                                                              • Maureen 1504016
                                                                                                                                                I would mind my own business
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                                                                                                                                                • John 1362447
                                                                                                                                                  Tricky, just because someone's old doesn't mean they are desperate, a leopard never changes it's spots.
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                                                                                                                                                  • Sylvia Y
                                                                                                                                                    Would talk to them and find out why, they may have onset dementia or have no support, I dont agree with shoplifting but dont do anything until you find out the reasons, it is easy to be judgmental and in this current climate the supermarkets have a lot to answer for
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                                                                                                                                                    • Helen L 750218
                                                                                                                                                      I would buy for her/him, depending on what it was.
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                                                                                                                                                      • Penney 1343303
                                                                                                                                                        Depends on what the item or items were, a can of soup or a can of Caviar.
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                                                                                                                                                        • Andrew T 123623
                                                                                                                                                          Yes I would report them. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. Also you don't know if they are a part of a gang of shoplifters. We are all struggling under these financial times.
                                                                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                                                                          • View all 3 replies
                                                                                                                                                          • Terry 1550339
                                                                                                                                                            I don't think that a senior would be part of a gang.
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                                                                                                                                                          • Andrew T 123623Terry 1550339
                                                                                                                                                            Don't believe just because they are seniors they are can't be a group/gang of people recruited to be shoplifters. This goes on all the the time regardless of age.
                                                                                                                                                            ·
                                                                                                                                                          • Terry 1550339Andrew T 123623
                                                                                                                                                            Can you name an elderly person that's part of a gang that does that? If not, you might just want to rethink your answer. JS
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                                                                                                                                                        • Mark 1560354
                                                                                                                                                          Would attempt to buy it for her
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                                                                                                                                                          • Shirley 1559694
                                                                                                                                                            I would let them know that .I had noticed what they had done, advise them not to tarnish their reputation and then offer to pay for what they need
                                                                                                                                                            ·
                                                                                                                                                            • Joy E 395142
                                                                                                                                                              buy the item for him/her
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                                                                                                                                                              • Guadalupe 1560827
                                                                                                                                                                Let it go
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                                                                                                                                                                • Rodwings
                                                                                                                                                                  Let it go!
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                                                                                                                                                                  • Jong seon 1562700
                                                                                                                                                                    I offer purchase what they need
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                                                                                                                                                                    • Jessie D 1191842
                                                                                                                                                                      I would buy it for her if she really needed it.
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                                                                                                                                                                      • Pamela 1555175
                                                                                                                                                                        Let it go that's a no brainer to me .
                                                                                                                                                                        ·
                                                                                                                                                                        • kristian s 513441
                                                                                                                                                                          I would report them to the store manager and the police.
                                                                                                                                                                          ·
                                                                                                                                                                          • Cathie G
                                                                                                                                                                            By reporting them you are helping them to get help they need so that they do not need to steal anymore
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                                                                                                                                                                            • Catherine 1495271
                                                                                                                                                                              I'd encourage them to return it and I'd offer to purchase what they needed
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                                                                                                                                                                              • Shawn B 1061185
                                                                                                                                                                                If the senior is in such a state that they have to steal food and risk getting the police involved, then I say let them go. Seniors ar the reason that there are juniors. We need to make sure thay have enough money so they don't have to steal.
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                                                                                                                                                                                • Terry 1550339
                                                                                                                                                                                  Shawn, GOD BLESS YOU. Great answer.
                                                                                                                                                                                  ·
                                                                                                                                                                                • Shawn B 1061185Terry 1550339
                                                                                                                                                                                  Thank you for your response. In my mind the crime is letting our seniors die from malnutrition.
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                                                                                                                                                                              • HOT PANTS HARRY
                                                                                                                                                                                I HAVENT BEEN CAUGHT YET
                                                                                                                                                                                ·

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