I admit it - I "shoplifted" a long time ago

[derby378]

I was at a mall somewhere in Dallas, browsing the toy store for some software for my old Atari 8-bit computer. This was about 20 years ago.

Found a little videogame cartridge that I'd been seeking for some time, clutched it in my hand, and started browsing around the store a little bit more. Then, for some reason, my throat started getting really parched, so I left the store for a moment to head to the nearest water faucet.

As I was hunched over, getting my drink of water, I glanced down at my hand. There was that cartridge, still in my hand. And I hadn't paid a cent for it. I got scared. I looked around to see if security was descending on me. Nobody in sight.

I breathed a sigh of relief, headed right back to the toy store, and paid for the cartridge without further delay.

I was very lucky. I could have easily wound up with my own police record because of a careless act. I wonder how many other kids got busted doing the exact same thing because they honestly were just forgetful about what was in their hand.

[rug]

1. Glad you got that off your chest?

[derby378]

2. A co-worker of mine got busted shoplifting from the store he WORKED at

I guess he figured he knew all the security personnel, what their walking habits were, where all the cameras were placed, etc. Got busted anyway. Such a clever boy. NOT!!

[Roon]

3. I was loaded down with items at a convenient store once

I wanted to grab one last item but my hands were full. So I put something in my pocket without thinking about it. I realized my mistake right away and took it right back out.

[Mutley]

4. I went through a shoplifting phase when I was about ten.

I'd steal little stuff like gum and soda. I got caught one day, and that was the end of that.

[Crabby Appleton]

5. That's quite common at that age

but not me, I waited till later to begin my shoplifting career.

[buddhamama]

6. i've done stuff that in hindsight

i shouldn't have done. it's okay. you're absolved.

[uppityperson]

7. I stole a candy bar when I was about 10

took it from the little store by my school. I was afraid to go in there for a yr, knew the owner knew I took it. Guilt guilt guilt, all ruined my ability to have candy.

[struggle4progress]

8. I had a friend who did get busted exactly this way:

a very nice fellow, late middle-aged, very professionally successfully, but a bit absent-minded and distractable, and tended to stammer when flustered. Ran into a friend while shopping for some inconsequential $2 or $3 item. Got distracted. During course of the conversation, forgot why he was in the store. After the conversation ended, he walked straight out, item in hand. Busted immediately. Very embarrassing. Court date: lots of character witnesses and obvious chagrin on his part. He did get off, but he paid in angst, time, and money for the lawyer ...