Theft!

[Ian]

As a great man once said:

I don't know about you, but it makes me seeth when I hear the excuses of many thieves and robbers that they do it because they 'needed the money' - when they are dripping in gold, wearing the latest £100 trainers and a home full of the latest electronics - they don't know the meaning of the word 'poverty'

I thought it was worthy of a new thread, as it's quite a talking point. Is stealing ever ok?

I live in a really bad area of Manchester, and there are thefts, muggings, etc... all of the time (most of Manchester is really nice, but not this particular corner!). People seem to get mugged by the same people quite regularly - probably getting a few people a night, and they must earn more than most people by far. It's not so much stealing because they need it, but because they can in this instance - it annoys me so much

Edit: Good point Ady, I've added the link in

 

[Rush]

Then quite simply Ian..its a government letdown..for the most part .Police have the power and we have the money to support them via taxes via the government .

The government is failing us big time ...

 

[Adywebb]

Excellent talking point Ian - however it should also be made clear the context in which I made that comment.

(Those who wish to know should look HERE)

I will return and give my general views later when I have more time...

 

[Ian]

Is it not the people that do this to blame though? To be fair, there is a big police push in the area - quite a few undercover police are walking about... but there are just so many opportunists that they are hard to catch.

 

[itsme]

A politician where I live could not understand how “hardship” came about? While appearing in a local debate on crime he was asked, how would you cope if someone stole your car from outside this community centre tonight, to which he replied oh I don’t think anyone would do that as I am a politician and they all know me around these parts , ah said the person but if they did what would you do, oh I would survive as you should all be able to endure that sort of problem he replied, yes you have guessed someone stole his car , no one in the meeting would give him a lift home , the nearest phone box was a half mile away, we left him to fend for himself.

The headlines in the local paper next day: MP endures HARDSHIP someone stole his car etc: etc: the reporter was at the meeting, the ending of the story “and now he knows the meaning of HARDSHIP.

PS It was not I whom stole the car, but joyriders the car was found two weeks later "burnt out"

 

[floppybootstomp]

I don't think stealing is ever justified.

You nicked a loaf of bread because you're starving? Feel justified?

If every person who felt themselves justified to nick a loaf of bread stole one, then the baker would go out of business.

And then he'd be starving.

If you're that desperate, beg or take any work on offer. Working at McDonalds IS an option.

Theft is theft. And by stealing you always hurt somebody. No justification.

 

[ChristopherP]

Live on the streets? Go join the army or something...

I think that anyone that steals should have support from the state withdrawn because they are STEALING from the people that PAY TAXES

We don't need Jobless criminals in our country, they are a waste of space and cost us money and time. Putting them in prison is just free accommodation and food for them - hell they dont even have to pay for a TV License in jail!

Those that have jobs and steal? Terrible. I think a hefty fine would make more different than a prison sentance, with double the amount of what they stole going back to the victim of the crime.

I wont even comment on immigrants and illegal immigrants that become criminals in our country - i don't want to be controversial and i dont want to upset anyone. I have my opinions, and on this subject they are negative.

 

[Rush]

originally posted by Christopherpostill

I think that anyone that steals should have support from the state withdrawn because they are STEALING from the people that PAY TAXES

I agree totally chris.and dont worry about your opinion offending anyone , yours is as good as any politicians m8

 

[cirianz]

I'm afraid that I have to agree on this one. Unless someone's life is genuinely on the line, I don't believe there is any excuse for stealing.
I learned that back when I was 8 years old & I made my nefarious break into a life of crime by stealing one of those rubber bouncy balls from a shop.
My mother found out of course & took me in to the shop to give the ball back & apologise. The shopkeeper was very nice about it & I walked out of that shop feeling more ashamed of myself than I ever had in my life before. And with the knowledge that there is no such thing as stealing from a shop (or business or corporation for that matter) Always you are stealing from a person, & people get hurt by it.

And I taught my children that too. Right when they were very young, that all those boxes of spiffy toys etc don't belong to the shop, but to the person who owns the shop. & that no-one just gave them to her or him, s/he worked hard, in the shop, to pay for those things just like we do for our things.
My children make me proud every day

 

[Ian]

Totally agree with this Just about to go off to uni, but will post when I'm back