After seeing a theft, I'm stuck between doing the right thing and showing compassion

I watched a person take groceries without paying. Part of me wants to report it because it's against the law, but I also think they might need help. What would you do in this situation?

3 comments

3 Comments

max48929d agoTop Commenter

You said you're "stuck between doing the right thing and showing compassion," and I get that. I read a news piece recently that really stuck with me, about how most people who steal basic things like food are just in a really bad spot (they interviewed social workers about it). It made me see it less as a crime and more as a sign someone's drowning. My gut now is to lean toward compassion, because reporting someone for groceries could make their life so much worse, you know? The "right thing" might actually be giving someone a break when they're that desperate.

taylor.jordan19d ago

Exactly. Kimb36's flamethrower line nails it, and your news piece just proves the point.

kimb3629d ago

Ever notice how the 'right thing' gets super complicated the second real people are involved? My professional opinion as an accountant is that the store's loss is probably a rounding error (seriously, beans and bread aren't breaking the bank). But my human opinion is that calling the cops over bread feels like using a flamethrower to kill a spider. Guess I'd just quietly hope they get a better break soon and mind my own business.