My Son Needs a Shoplifting Class

I remember the first time I got caught shoplifting. No, it was not by the police - it was by the person who knew me best - my mother.

I had stolen lots of things before that. It started with packs of chewing gum and candy bars, escalated to toys and baseball cards. When caught, my friend and I were opening the free game tickets issued by McDonald's and Kroger grocery. In an effort to win free fries or a hamburger, we had stolen an entire bag.

Chance to Change Course of History

My mother did not take this sitting down. She made my friend and I return the unopened tickets and admit to the store manager what we had done. My friend's parents were informed too.

What did not happen was a shoplifting class. Perhaps that would have changed the course of the next decade of my life. Getting caught and reprimanded stopped my theft behavior for a week (while I was grounded). However, I thought about stealing all the time and went right back to my shoplifting. It would cost me later.

Do not miss the opportunity to take a stop theft class early; it could mean the difference between a long, happy life and a life of crime.