Theft at Quarterfield Lowe's

[EL1227]

Man that stinks. I was at a Home Depot just yesterday with my kids. I'm going through this in my head thinking my reaction would be 'Oh, hell no you are NOT going to steal something in front of me. Not today guys.' and then the old fart side of the brain kicks in and I'm thinking it's a worthwhile preparation to ask what the 'right' thing to do is given the social facts in MD today. Here is what I think and what I will have in the back of my mind should I ever encounter this:

1. Life and limb of all potential victims needs to be protected. Who on the list I prioritize is my business but I'm hoping I am personally not on the top of that list because I have to look at myself in the mirror every day. Ensure I speak clearly and firmly to my children on exactly what I expect them to do and where I expect them to go.

1a. In the event that I'm in a state that allows CCW, theft in a public place is NEVER a valid reason for me to draw. EVER.

2. Understand that the Police are not coming and no one around is going to help me because they have NOT thought through this ahead of time.

3. As long as the people are safe, my camera phone is more powerful than the baseball bat in the truck. Take pictures or video and make noise. Instruct the victims to get out of the way.

4. As things wind down continue filming so that at least Police have an idea of the direction the BG went but keep a distance appropriate to the fact that said BG are probably armed. Don't approach them.

What did I miss?

Pictures, lots of them ... and be willing to go to court to testify to their validity IF they catch the theif with the goods. It's one thing to intervene if he viciously attacked the woman trying to stop him, but shoplifting isn't considered a life and death situation ... even as blantant as this episode was.

If stuff like this can happen in broad daylight ... overloading a shopping cart with large boxes of power tools and wheeling it out of an open-for-business establishment in front of employees and patrons ... just imagine what it will be like when the SfinallyHTF ... and we all know it's gonna happen as society spirals it's way counter-clockwise down the comode called socialism. It's the final outcome of "spreading the wealth".

 

[Jim12]

Pictures, lots of them ... and be willing to go to court to testify to their validity IF they catch the theif with the goods. It's one thing to intervene if he viciously attacked the woman trying to stop him, but shoplifting isn't considered a life and death situation ... even as blantant as this episode was.

If stuff like this can happen in broad daylight ... overloading a shopping cart with large boxes of power tools and wheeling it out of an open-for-business establishment in front of employees and patrons ... just imagine what it will be like when the SfinallyHTF ... and we all know it's gonna happen as society spirals it's way counter-clockwise down the comode called socialism. It's the final outcome of "spreading the wealth".

So, the free shoplifting at Lowes with no consequences rules are: 1) good disguise; 2) don't commit another offense; and 3) run like hell? You won't even be reported to police. Gosh, wait 'til the word gets around, if it hasn't already...

Suddenly, my Lowes gift card doesn't seem to be as valuable as it was.

 

[EL1227]

But, but, but ...

So, the free shoplifting at Lowes with no consequences rules are: 1) good disguise; 2) don't commit another offense; and 3) run like hell? You won't even be reported to police. Gosh, wait 'til the word gets around, if it hasn't already...

Suddenly, my Lowes gift card doesn't seem to be as valuable as it was.

 

[Jim12]

That it is, indeed.

 

[safecracker]

When good men decide to do nothing, evil will prevail.

So would you still feel the same way if the OP had been killed in this incident?

 

[safecracker]

I'm sorry. I understand everyone who says, "Don't get involved. It's only tools.", but not getting involved is what has led this state and spinning down the sh*tter. Especially if I saw a lady chasing two grown ass men, I would have done something similar as the OP.

So would you still feel the same way if the OP had been killed in this incident?

 

[Mr H]

Amazing..... wtf did you guys let happen to Glen Burnie????

It all started while I was in CA from 82-89...

Not my fault, man!!!

 

[Mr H]

Brooklyn overflowed.

And Green Haven

At least the Harundaliens remain contained.

 

[fabsroman]

So would you still feel the same way if the OP had been killed in this incident?

Nope, but what if one of the perps got away and raped, mugged, murdered, one of the OP's or your beloved ones?

When we all worry about ourselves, that is when things start to fall apart. Kind of like the "I have mine, screw the rest of you" attitude.

At what point should a person get involved in stopping a crime. When there is the real potential for death? However, what do you do at that point when you are in the OP's situation and are not armed.

Essentially, your position is to stay out of the fray no matter what, because Lord knows what could happen to you. No wonder criminals are brazen enough to try to run out of Lowes with a shopping cart full of power tools.

Lastly, we can play the "what if" game all day and night long. How would you feel if .........

 

[Dal1as]

Nope, but what if one of the perps got away and raped, mugged, murdered, one of the OP's or your beloved ones?

When we all worry about ourselves, that is when things start to fall apart. Kind of like the "I have mine, screw the rest of you" attitude.

At what point should a person get involved in stopping a crime. When there is the real potential for death? However, what do you do at that point when you are in the OP's situation and are not armed.

Essentially, your position is to stay out of the fray no matter what, because Lord knows what could happen to you. No wonder criminals are brazen enough to try to run out of Lowes with a shopping cart full of power tools.

Lastly, we can play the "what if" game all day and night long. How would you feel if .........

My sons upbringing is more important than a bunch of power tools and the life of some dirtbag. Sorry but the odds are severely stacked against good samaritans here in Maryland. You intervene and end up stabbing, shooting, or even just beating the guy down, you're probably going to go to jail, get sued, and rack up a huge defense bill. Sad but true. I'd only intervene if there was physical violence.

If it was in Texas, different story.

 

[jaybee]

It's society's fault..........

It takes a villiage and some power tools to raise a ................

It's for the children.............

The schools system needs more funding to educate the children............

The schools providing free breakfeast, lunch, school supplies and paying them for a passing grade is not enough for active young people................

He is a product of the system....................

If the plan didn't work, we need to hire more planners.............

People are not born stupid.............



I think I'm done

 

[hdatontodo]

It takes power tools to raze a village.

Using Tapatalk on a Samsung Phone

 

[Kman]

I would not physically intervene without someone being in danger.

No way am I going to risk killing or being killed over a Dewalt power tool....now if it were Hilti, maybe.

Just thugs getin' out early for Xmas. Celebrate the birth of Jesus by stealin' yo' sh1t.

 

[Rack&Roll]

Nope, but what if one of the perps got away and raped, mugged, murdered, one of the OP's or your beloved ones?

When we all worry about ourselves, that is when things start to fall apart. Kind of like the "I have mine, screw the rest of you" attitude.

At what point should a person get involved in stopping a crime. When there is the real potential for death? However, what do you do at that point when you are in the OP's situation and are not armed.

Essentially, your position is to stay out of the fray no matter what, because Lord knows what could happen to you. No wonder criminals are brazen enough to try to run out of Lowes with a shopping cart full of power tools.

Lastly, we can play the "what if" game all day and night long. How would you feel if .........

FABS…this was a property crime against a business with no violence implied or threatened. That's what we hire police for. Sure, the police would not be there in time so yes it is endlessly frustrating.

Intervening physically would likely spark violence. Cellphone video and pics are what the property criminals fear.

In the meantime, I know some Koreans with SKS's who would agree to set up firing positions on the Lowe's roof should it come to it...

 

[pbharvey]

No way am I going to risk killing or being killed over a Dewalt power tool....now if it were Hilti, maybe.

Hilti: the H&K of tools!

 

[Gambler]

You did what your instinct told you to do. Which mean it is probably what you thought to be the right thing to do. Was it the smartest thing to do, probably not, but it is tough when you are in those situations to stop and think through all the scenarios. It's easy for us to pick apart your choices after the fact. Honestly, I'd probably have done the same thing if I were by myself. If my family was there, I'd secure them first, then re-evaluate.

I wish stores would be a little more ballsy about stopping these guys, they need to be in jail, not out robbing more stores or worst, homes. As it is they eat the cost and pass it on to us, and in the process, let these guys walk...thanks...

 

[safecracker]

Essentially, your position is to stay out of the fray no matter what, because Lord knows what could happen to you.

Please don't put words in my mouth as I never stated or implied anything of the sort. Fact is, I have intervened in situations in the past and I would do so again without hesitation if someone were being harmed. Its all about risk vs. reward. If I can prevent someone from being injured or killed (reward), then it's worth the risk of injury or death to myself. Taking on a pair of hucks in order to save a cartful of tools for Lowes simply isn't worth the potential consequences to me. I almost got shot over a $20 bill years ago that wasn't even mine. In retrospect, it was a stupid move on my part to get involved. Perhaps you disagree, but, hey it's your life - live it however you see fit.

 

[Mr H]

It takes power tools to raze a village.

Beat me to it!!!

 

[Mr H]

Hilti: the H&K of tools!

Does that make Hitachi the Hi-Point??????

 

[wheelgun]

Just have to say it:

Hilti: the H&K of tools!

Might be the H&K of tools; but for what they cost, I should be able to sit in the truck while the work gets done.