Little Shoplifter

There's nothing like working a double, especially when it's the busiest day of the week as far as incoming merchandise. Luckily today's shipment was smaller than normal. Boss's trip is halfway through so soon I'll have a little rest.

To liven up the day, I had a mother bring in her little 5-year-old shoplifter. They'd been in the day before and he'd taken a small item worth a couple of dollars. A former law enforcement officer herself, she flipped out and the kid's probably traumatized for life. He apologized, returned the item, and I gave him a lecture using my sternest voice and straightest face about how important it is to not steal so the police don't take you to jail. I tried to make the point sink in while not being too rough. After all, theft is a real problem. If I can scare one kid into not stealing, great.