Stealing is wrong... It is as simple as that

LANCASTER- As many Monday mornings start out for me, I head to the Lancaster Police Station to obtain the reports for the week and while I sit there typing away, I always question, “why people do the things they do?”

This week was no different as I read one specific report about a 23-year-old female stealing from the Transit Road Walmart in Lancaster. According to the report, the female placed school supplies in her purse and walked past all points of purchase. She took a notebook, a calendar, pens, and a binder; which totaled $13.68.

Now, should we feel sorry for her because apparently she can’t afford to purchase school supplies for her kid (s) or in any circumstance is it just plain wrong? About two weeks ago, I would have felt bad for her, but after causally speaking to an officer about people stealing, it changed my mind.

If we look at it logically, without emotions playing into this situation, this person could have avoided the charge of petit larceny by maybe applying for financial assistance. For example she could have applied for the Town of Lancaster Youth Bureau’s School Supply Distribution Program, an article that is in this week’s edition. At the end of the article is the address of the youth bureau and phone number.

This program is a perfect opportunity for this person to take advantage of instead of resorting to theft and having a permanent record. I am also assuming this person would qualify for the program, but if not, there are legal ways. You just have to find them.

In fact, to help get students prepared for school this year, the Lancaster Walmart, as well as other locations, asked customers to purchase and donate a backpack filled with supplies. This was held Friday, Aug. 17.

Sometimes I just want to scream when I read a report like this and I want to ask was it worth being arrested for $13.68? There are even times when people steal items totaling less than that.

Stealing in my opinion is wrong plain and simple. Everyone has hard times and struggles to make ends meet, but we don’t all resort to stealing. So, how are the rest of us making it?

And to even think you’re not going to get caught is ridiculous. Stores have increased security with the installation of cameras or they hire undercover security, and they are watching.

During my high school years, I had two friends who were arrested for shoplifting. One friend try to steal a shirt at the Eastern Hills Mall and the other tried to steal makeup and to be honest, condoms. They were minors at the time so they got off light, but the affect it had on their families was sad and something that could have been completely avoided.

There is help out there if you’re willing to look. All I am saying is think about the consequences before you act.