aquaria127 Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 My brother stole a $50 bill from me last week. I'm not sure if anyone else has had something like this happen to them, but if so, maybe you have advice? I got the money from participating in a research study and I was going to donate it to a women's shelter. I kept it in an envelope next to my purse and day planner. My brother happened to come home that night, so he could be closer to a friend's house. the next morning as I was getting my things I noticed the envelope was not exactly where I put it, and the money was gone. I went to his workplace and of course he denied it! when I first moved back home and got a cell phone, he'd take it in the middle of the night and use it to call porn lines. I was still believing in "trust your family" and I didn't even know till 2 months later. a couple of months ago he took my credit card from my bureau and racked up like $250 in gas charges. the details don't even matter. stealing is wrong. especially if it's from your family, friends or people you supposedly care about. Right? Link to post Share on other sites
Tony T Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 Of course stealing is wrong. And it's not all that unusual for it to happen within families, just like your circumstances. It's really very very sad. First, you're just going to have to be very careful about leaving stuff around. And don't think your brother, if he's in bad need of money, won't rummage through your drawers and other possible hiding places looking for things he may need. I hope you called the credit card company and got those unauthorized gas charges removed. You have two years to have your brother charged with theft for stealing and using your credit card and that may be the only cure for him. If I were you, I would discuss this with your parents and see if they can handle the matter. Yes, absolutely, stealing is wrong and your brother knows it...but he doesn't seem to care. Link to post Share on other sites
my_mother's_daughter Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 There are circumstances where stealing can be justified, but yours isn't one of them I think...[color=black][/color] Link to post Share on other sites
Tony T Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 YOU WRITE: "There are circumstances where stealing can be justified, but yours isn't one of them I think..." I'm certainly open to the idea that there are certain circumstances when stealing is OK but I would like to have examples and back up. I'm really a naive person so I'm unable myself to know when it's OK to steal. Help me on this, please! I personally don't think stealing is justified in any case...but I'm open to having my mind changed. Link to post Share on other sites
my_mother's_daughter Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 OK, here comes the tidal wave.. I believe that someone in unfortunate circumstances may be forgiven for stealing something they need in an acute situation and as a temporary measure: An example: Women who leave abusive husbands at 5am with nothing but the coat on their back who whip the cash from his wallet. Just *stuff*llike that I expect the abuse, so let me have it, I'm a bit of a masochist... Link to post Share on other sites
my_mother's_daughter Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 In addition, Right vs Wrong?? I'm not convinced when it comes to absolutes.. Don't think everything can be dropped into one of two baskets marked 'black' and 'white' Perhaps I'm just too open minded Or maybe I'm just being provocative ... Link to post Share on other sites
moimeme Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 mmd, you will cause untold distress to those who require a cozy wall of moral absolutes to live behind. Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 aquaria, I'd wallop the crap out of him while "explaining" that I don't appreciate his helping himself to my things without my permission. Then I'd make him pay for the phone and card charges as well as replace the money he stole. Also, it'd be a good idea to not leave your stuff where he could get to it easily. Link to post Share on other sites
Nazima Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 You should tell your parents (if you haven't already) exactly what your brother has been doing. I'm assuming you live with your folks. Ask them about the possibility of putting a lock on the door to your room. If that is not feasable, I would suggest buying yourself a nice strong box with a lock on it. Its a shame when you can't trust the people who are supposed to care about you the most, but it happens. I'd also suggest telling your brother exactly how what he's done has made you feel. It probably won't do any good, he seems to have no remorse for his behavior, but you should let him know that you are not going to sit by and let him steal from you. And you shoul seriouly consider pressing charges. He has to learn to accept responibility for what he's done and face the music. If you look the other way he'll think he can get away with it all the time, and probably end up in worse trouble down the road. Link to post Share on other sites
yes Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 if you've got a family who are starving, and you can't get a job b/c of racial discrimination, i think it's OK to steal some food. anybody read 'crime & punishment'? -yes Link to post Share on other sites
cliche_boy Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 probably has a drug problem. Link to post Share on other sites
my_mother's_daughter Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 Yes, (to yes) Link to post Share on other sites
Tony T Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 I can never get over the tragedy of the originial poster in this thread whose own brother is stealing from her. If he needs drugs, he should get a loan from the bank!!! Link to post Share on other sites
Author aquaria127 Posted August 10, 2003 Author Share Posted August 10, 2003 after my brother "borrowed" my credit card I was holding the paperwork from the bank that would notify the police - he said he thought it was ok cause I let him use it once for $20 (he paid me back that time, though). I didn't press charges because he would be facing 2 felony charges. In my experience in reporting on courts that he would most likely face jail for up to 6 months and 5 years probation. Couldn't do that to my brother. Even if it would teach him a lesson. I did tell him how it made me feel, which was really rotten and distrustful. I don't think he cared. Obviously, since he stole from me again. I don't live with my dad and stepmother and they prefer to keep out of it. It would be nice to have my brother pay me back, even if it's a small amount every month. It's not like I'm rolling in dough but it did bite. how likely is him paying it back, seeing as he works a minimum wage job and lives with his girlfriend and her 2 kids. I have to be more careful, maybe lock things up all the time, even if I live by myself. Link to post Share on other sites
yes Posted August 10, 2003 Share Posted August 10, 2003 You live by yourself? Then what was he doing at your place without your presence? I think that given this stealing history, he shdn't have keys to your place, and you should keep him in sight at all times if he visits (although given this stealing, i don't see why you'd allow him to visit you - just meet in a public place if you need to!). -yes Link to post Share on other sites
Author aquaria127 Posted August 10, 2003 Author Share Posted August 10, 2003 Well he was living here about 3 months ago, before he started shacking up with this girl. but we all have our names on the deed so of course he can come in when he wants. When he came by this last time I must have already been sleeping. Link to post Share on other sites
AnimeFan820 Posted July 14, 2004 Share Posted July 14, 2004 I was caught stealing a CD from wal-mart on the 19th of June and now I cant go back to any wal-mart store or Sam's store. And it doesnt bother me all that much but my friend was with me and he can't go back either. He loves wal-mart because it's not far from his house and he can buy video games there. He isn't upset with me, at least that's what he says. We'll you all probably don't want to hear about my small wal-mart problems. Link to post Share on other sites
HokeyReligions Posted July 14, 2004 Share Posted July 14, 2004 Originally posted by AnimeFan820 I was caught stealing a CD from wal-mart on the 19th of June and now I cant go back to any wal-mart store or Sam's store. And it doesnt bother me all that much but my friend was with me and he can't go back either. He loves wal-mart because it's not far from his house and he can buy video games there. He isn't upset with me, at least that's what he says. We'll you all probably don't want to hear about my small wal-mart problems. Why did you steal? What did you learn? Is that all that bothers you about this? Are you only upset that you were caught? The problem with WM might seem small to you, but stealing can be a BIG problem. Are you going to continue to steal? Link to post Share on other sites
>>>LoL<<< Posted July 14, 2004 Share Posted July 14, 2004 Originally posted by AnimeFan820 I was caught stealing a CD from wal-mart on the 19th of June and now I cant go back to any wal-mart store or Sam's store. And it doesnt bother me all that much but my friend was with me and he can't go back either. He loves wal-mart because it's not far from his house and he can buy video games there. He isn't upset with me, at least that's what he says. We'll you all probably don't want to hear about my small wal-mart problems. How exactly do they keep you from going to any wal-mart??? Its not like they Have a huge poster with your face on it correct? Link to post Share on other sites
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