What is WRONG with people these days?
@jewelenterprises (1996)
Australia
April 26, 2009 10:50pm CST
I work as a checkout operator in a store at a small mall (shopping center) and recently I have been horrified by what I have seen.
Just in the last two weeks I have seen two people chased down by staff for shop stealing, I have seen three women at the service desk reporting that their handbag has been stolen in the store. I have heard that the center itself is having at least four bag snatchings reported every week. One guy made a habit of stealing meat... he's one of the ones who got caught last week. Apparently he managed to steal several hundred dollars worth of meat the week before by hiding it in two of those zip up refridgerator bags... he was finally caught on the third attempt to steal.
What is it with people these days? Sure, I know times are tough... I totally get that, I'm struggling to make ends meet myself. But to resort to CRIMINAL activities just to resolve financial hardship.
I should state that here in Australia EVERYONE can receive government benefits indefinitely if they require it (it's not like the US where dole recipients are on their own after 27 weeks or whatever it is... or was) So basically everyone has a source of income, even if its only a meagre amount. On top of that there are charities that are more than willing to help out. All this theft is totally unnecessary!
Personally... I'd sooner swallow my pride and go to a charity than risk a criminal record for stealing.
I'm not angry with these people. I just think it's a SAD day when people don't have the moral fortitude to avoid crime as a means to alleviate financial hardship. WHat does it say about the way we are raising our families, about the morals we are instilling in the next generation? Is this going to get better, or will it get worse?
What do you think?
5 people like this
17 responses
@pinaybigbucks (267)
• Philippines
27 Apr 09
Crime rate increases when people are out of jobs and have no money. When you go to places where there are many poor people, it's very common to see bag snatchers and muggers. Maybe when people are hungry and have nothing to eat, some of them totally forget the good values that their parents taught them and resort to stealing in order to survive. You are very fortunate to live in a country where the government has a program to help the people go through this recession. But in third world countries where there are not much government benefits, some people find that there's no other way to survive but to commit these crimes. It's really sad.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
I guess that's one of the reasons that Australia is referred to as 'the lucky country'
You're right, we are lucky... and so far we have been lucky in that the global recession has not affected us as badly as it has many other countries.
@pinaybigbucks (267)
• Philippines
15 May 09
i'm glad that you are not as badly affected with the global recession as the other countries. it's nice to hear something good happening in the midst of all the bad news. :)
@rsa101 (38166)
• Philippines
27 Apr 09
Yeah it is sad that these people resort to these kind of activities and feed it to their family. They totally lost their conscience about it. Sometimes times do indeed are harsh towards us but we can do something that would not resort us to commit a crime to get what we wanted. Sometimes it is the laziness that is the culprit they do not want to work and earn so instead they resort to this kind of activities to meet their needs.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
I believe this type of behavior is increasing due to the current economic crisis, lots of people losing jobs etc.
I've been at this store now for nearly 8 years and it's only the third time I've seen shop stealers desperate enough to get violent or run... two of those in the last couple of weeks.
So I don't really think it's laziness (though that certainly exists)... it's more like desperation.
I guess what I don't understand is how a person could be so desperate that they resort to crime when there ARE alternatives.
It's certainly not something I could do.
@spoiled311 (5500)
• Philippines
28 Apr 09
hi jewelenterprises !
whaaaat???? you have that in australia???
i don't mean the thefts...because that is common in our country. but what i am surprised about is the governemnt support when you are jobless. i wish we have that in our country too. if only our government officials are not corrupt, then we would have better benefits, especially for the poor people of the country.
i do not blame tax evaders, after all, our precious income is just being wasted by our really corrupt government officials.
anyway, about theft, yeah, being poor is not an excuse to steal. it is really the morals of a person. some rich people steal, and they steal in a more sophisticated and in bigger amounts. so really, there is no excuse or reason for stealing.
take care and God bless you!
happy mylotting! :D
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
We sure do have that. It used to be that only people who had a fixed address were able to claim payments but now that isn't the case because if they have no address they can go direct to social security (centrelink) and get one of those temporary ATM cards with their benefits on it that they can withdraw from any ATM machine.
The only thing I don't agree with you on is the tax evaders issue. I don't believe anything justifies not paying your 'dues' to the government. Australia has fairly high taxes and it is because of this that the government can afford to offer benefits to all who need them.
As far as the rich stealing... take a look at some of the big actors etc who get caught out owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax because they have evaded the taxes. This in itself is a form of theft.
@PrarieStyle (2486)
• United States
28 Apr 09
On top of being in an economic crisis, half of our country thinks that if you have more money than they do, you should "spread the wealth" with them. If you don't, they will just take it.
I have had a lot of arguments with people who steel. They try to justify it by saying "Oh the store is rich, they can afford one little..." What they don't understand or don't want to understand is that everyone pays when they steel.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
Yes, I think all supermarkets (grocery stores) should have large signs up stating
WE APOLOGIZE FOR HIGH GROCERY PRICES - IF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY DIDN'T TRY TO ROB US BLIND THE PRICES WOULD BE LOWER. IF YOU SEE SOMEONE STEALING FROM US PLEASE REPORT IT!
Because yes, prices are increased to cover losses caused by theft and wastage.
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
28 Apr 09
It's always being pointed to poverty or uneployment, being the reason for all of these, however some people are just using these as alibis. The truth is they are used to it being the easiest way to earn. The proressiveness of one country however having people employed and people have all sources of living, enjoy proper education thus practicing good morals, eliminate these bad elements of the society.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
Unfortunately that isn't true. Public support systems and even 100% employment rate wouldn't stop some people from stealing. Yes, it would happen less but would never stop altogether because humans are never happy no matter what they have. Even rich people perform theft.
@Rainbow2009 (45)
• China
28 Apr 09
In fact, the action of stealing can happen at any time. Maybe the hardest time can stimulate people's evil desire more. Poverty is always the root of making crimes in most cases. They have no money to satify their own needs, they resort to stealing. I guess that these poeple have been having some evil thoughts or morals at any time, so at some critical points their bad nature can not be controlled by themselves and displayed through criminal actions. The people with real good virtues or high sense of moral don't conduct crimes at any time bacause they will always consider whether their actions have a harmful or bad influence on their kids or family members or others. I think the cultivation of good morals at any time is very important. Even if we are facing a very difficult time, we believe that we can manage to live through it in some decent ways.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
I have to admit that I feel sorry for people in countries where they can't get government benefits. I visited the US in 1997 and was horrified to see all the homeless people hanging around the parks and gardens... the smell of unwashed bodies in some of those places was almost nauseating. It just made me wish I had millions of dollars so I could relieve their situation, even if only temporarily. And I know that the US is reasonable in comparison to many other countries. Here in Australia though you don't see much of that at all. Sure, there are 'individuals of no fixed address' but not like that.
Still, I'm sure that most of those people still succeed in living honorable lives despite the fact that they have no accomodation and money
@wahmbrenda (141)
• United States
27 Apr 09
It's sad but it's only going to get worse. Things just aren't getting any better. I don't know what it's going to take but hopefully something will change soon. I believe in karma and think these people will get what they deserve eventually so I don't really let that get to me.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
Well, despite the media being panic merchants (as usual!) The issues we are facing are nothing new, we have faced them before and we will face them again (and again, and again, and yet again)... but the fact is that the economy ALWAYS recovers. It's only natural for the economy to have boom and bust cycles... and right now we're in the bust cycle.
So I guess we can take encouragement in that. Hold fast to our morals and wait for things to get better, whether that happens next week, next month or next year!
@thekiwi (588)
• United States
27 Apr 09
I agree!! It is sad, and horrible to think what ppl would do to save a few bucks!!!
Yes times are hard but really, is it that bad to where you have to steal? Why not pick up a can and/or scrap metal in the trash? I know the idea of looking through someones trash isnt appealing but hey! Its free money!!!
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
I've seen plenty of people do that too... the problem is that these people who resort to stealing are also the ones who ridicule people who rummage through garbage for aluminum cans and bottles. They seem to think it's undignified... like stealing and getting a criminal record is so GLAMOROUS!... NOT!!!
I remember my first year in high school. The school ran an environmental project where they offered 2 cents for every potato crisp bag returned to the canteen. Every day I used to scrounge around the school yard to collect 14 bags so I could get 28 cents to purchase a bottle of coke... sure, the older students razzed me for being a 'grotty little year 7 scrounger' but I didn't care... I got my drink! And of course the school had it's little army of people running around cleaning up all the plastic chip bags from the yard. LOL
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
27 Apr 09
I work in a grocery store and I see a lot of the same things. It is sad and most of the time the people who are stealing could pay for the items. They just would just rather have the thrill of stealing it. I think that parents are harming their children with the things that they see them do.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
Yeah, I think under normal circumstances this is an issue... the adrenaline rush of getting away with theft. But the fact that it is happening much more now with the global recession just proves how desperate some people are getting.
@ktosea (2026)
• China
27 Apr 09
well,the reason might be this recession thing we are suffering now,more and more peole become jobless and this will lead to many social problems just like what you saw these days,life is harder and harder to many people these days and I am afraid something bad will continue to happen
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
Yes, I do believe that things will get worse before they get better... thankfully all the issues are the same as the ones we have faced in the past... and the economy has always recovered. It will do the same again.
@strawberrychocodahi (4818)
• Philippines
27 Apr 09
It is sad to hear but good for your country and the government that they help people who are less fortunate. I may not wonder anymore what is happening in the world. People are not content of what they have that is why they wanted more. I guess this does not concern them even if they have to steal, just to the fact that they have been solved on their wants.
The recession may or may not hit your country much but in other countries specially in Asia, we are really struggling to make both ends meet. We also save but not that much and we tend to stretch our money as much as possible, but still not enough. We may live in a difficult time as you can say, but i do believe that morality and respect with other people and honesty should not be compromised.
It is better to live everyday simple life and depending what God can provide us as we have faith in Him. Rather than to take a chance on betting on lotto and gamble which is not the will of God for us. This is my own personal viewpoint.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
I agree, respect and personal honour are more important.
I've been caught by dishonest people simply because I live by the assumption that everyone is honest (like myself)... and it can really hurt when I realize otherwise.
@prinzcy (32305)
• Malaysia
27 Apr 09
Even not in recession period, stealing is a common thing. You're right, there is something wrong in today's world. We can even left something and feel safe about it. We don't receive benefits like in your country but that doesn't mean it's ok to steal. The victims work hard to earn what easily stolen by the theft. Just because their life (the theft) is hard, he/she doesn't have to put the blame on others and steal someone else money.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
Everyone is interested in preserving themselves (selfish)... that's just part of human nature and there is no point trying to deny it.
Like you say, it's when we disregard the needs of others in favor of ourselves that problems occur.
@kurniawanSurvey (140)
• Indonesia
27 Apr 09
yea I totally agree with you it's sad, but then again you said it yourself, the "pride" that's the answer of your question. pride is ranked 1st of the seven sin that human carry, even tough it's only joke at first but the pride will slowly consume your heart to the extend you will resorting to criminal activity.
let's go deeper to the problem, for one thing I'm not sure if it's only financial problem that bring the worst of people, we human have many aspect in our lives, the top three sin in our live is the most dangerous aspect we carry all the time, one is pride, second is greed, and third is gluttony. that's three combined what human can't accomplish ?
it's only shoplifting in best case condition, let's looking back to the past we even wage a war just to satisfy the three sins. so what wrong with people ? we're wrong, so we must fix it by our self.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
Well, in general I'm just as proud as the next person. There is no point trying to deny it. But I certainly don't refuse help that is offered when I need it. I don't let my desire for independence get in the way of asking for help.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
They will, it will take time but things will get better. It's not like the issues we are facing are any different to what we have faced in the past.
@zahfran (851)
• Singapore
27 Apr 09
Yeah, it is very sad but to some, stealing is the easy way out. Times are tough and looking for charity is probably troublesome to them. Or maybe they do not know the avenue in seeking out the charity. But for me, stealing is not the way to do things. Working hard and honesty is the way to go about doing your work.
Then again, some people have what they call impulse stealing. They steal on impulse without any need for the item. But I wouldn't say so many people were impulse stealing.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
To be perfectly honest... I would rather go bankrupt than get a criminal record.
@dianmelydia (2269)
• Indonesia
27 Apr 09
We must understand that those case is a bad affect by the global recession. That case could happened on everywhere, anytime, any place. But we can give that recession as a reason to free the subject on this case. I'm sure we all know stealing is a crime. We should giving more attention for this problem especially in this recession era. There's unlimited possibilities of criminal can appear out there. Many people lost their job, but they still must feed their households. I think government must give special attention and take good action to prevent those bad thing happen again. Prevention action is important. Have a nice day and happy mylotting.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
I agree that the global recession is probably responsible for the increase in this kind of behavior... then again, maybe that's just an excuse!
Thing is that there are alternatives.
@pera3212 (13)
• United States
27 Apr 09
sad to say but it's probably going to get worse before it gets better. the bible says that in the last days hard times will come. it says that people will be lovers of them selves and of money. they will be proud, stuck-up,rude,disobedient to parents; they will also be ungrateful,godless,heartless,hateful,with words of cruelty and they will have no self control or pity.
@jewelenterprises (1996)
• Australia
28 Apr 09
I agree that it will probably become worse before it gets better.
Reading some of those biblical prophecies is sometimes like reading the newspapers these days.
