AIBU to “steal” this?

I agree. But I have no evidence but OP's opinion. I don't know why she asked the question, really. And her friend wasn't very helpful. He might be the fence rather than the shoplifter (in which case, if caught, he will go to prison - fencing is considered to be encouraging theft so carries a harsher penalty than theft).

Are the children eating fucking laundry balls???

I wouldn't ever take this route. I'd get my arse back to work and earn the money to feed them in an honest manner.

@Grammarnut Well unless he's selling it for more than he's paying when he gets it in the shop possible given the price of his laundry products then either he has very bad business sense... or he's not paying

I don't think people realise that if they buy stuff that has been shop lifted they are committing a crime.

I don't think having a drug habit is acceptable - bloody stupid and a waste of your life IMO. However, a great many people who consider themselves middle class, who have professional jobs etc have a drug habit, or 'dabble', so it's hardly surprising they find it acceptable.
As to theft, I have no first hand evidence on this so I will withold judgement on that point. Generally, having been the victim of burglary I am not at all friendly to thieves. If this man is one - balance of probabilities is that he does not shoplift but knows someone who does, hence orders - then I would not buy his stuff. However, I have come across goods for sale in my place of work (long time ago) being bought by people who would (probably) not steal, though they must know it has 'fallen off the back of a lorry'. Ethics seem to go out the window when offered a cheap deal.

Glad you're deriving such childish amusement. Some of us come by whatever we want or need in life through honest means.

Rather sad to see that approximately 320 of those who voted up to now consider theft, handling stolen goods and supporting drug habits as reasonable

"Running a small business" - are you having a laugh?!

I will absolutely judge the fuck out of thieves.

@Runnerinthenight j you replied to is even more of a wind up than the op, don't waste your time x they have already had a post removed

What shite is this?!!!

You know you are wrong for buying it, or you wouldn't be asking or trying to justify it. Was friend wrong for kicking off? Not wrong for disapproving, but shouting about it? Not appropriate.

I was kidding, sorry thought it'd be clear!

She's not desperate!!! She wants expensive laundry products!!

Cam we all show the poor OP some compassion please? Desperate people make poor choices. It starts with a few persil pods and then over time you're hooked on the scent balls. You'd feed your kids dodgy formula to feed your habit too.

Also don't be that surprised if you come home one day and he's kicked your door in and nicked your TV.

@OrlandointheWilderness @inamarina OP means this shit. Basically you will put a cap full to every wash to give your clothes a fake “fresh” scent. They’re expensive and you will use loads per wash, which is probably why OP thinks they’re poor and it’s “justifiable” when actually they just don’t have money to piss away, you know like the vast majority of people.

Some people do have more children than they can afford, it's true. Some parents become ill, widowed, single or redundant. Some are simply feckless. I suspect the rising cost of virtually everything has more of an effect on food poverty though.

Nobody who spends £10 per week on laundry is on the breadline.

The op said money was tight , not that she couldn't afford her shopping she just prefers to buy from random drug dealers (addicts) who come to her door.
She isn't asking for budgeting ideas, she seems very pleased with her choice.
Just grim on so many levels

With pleasure. If there were fewer drug addicts and better addiction services, shoplifting would reduce. Working out why these people turn to drugs in the first place and addressing these issues is key.
If people had enough money to make ends meet, they would be less likely to buy stolen goods. Why are people skint? It certainly isn't all bad budgeting/living beyond means, the fact is that the COL continues to increase. Why is it not being properly addressed? That would certainly help to reduce both shoplifting and the purchase of stolen goods.
Yes, theft is out of order but current approaches don't do much good. Removing reasons/compulsions to steal in the first place seems reasonable to me.

You can get both of these items from your local food bank. Your GP will even prescribe you free baby formula if you are struggling. These would be better options.

Have you not noticed @RobertaFirmino that the main social issue that leads to food poverty is parents having children they can’t afford and then expecting the state to bail them out with every benefit going.
If you can’t afford to feed and raise a family then take responsibility and stop having kids until you can do so.
Its simple!

I think with "laundry balls" she means those ridiculous scent booster things. Unstoppables I think they are called, have never bought them because I don't really want to walk around smelling of detergent.

Explain how the fuck you think the Op exploiting a man's drug dependency for her own gain and to benefit a child she shouldn't have had because she can't afford it is not a societal issue?

It's hardly the point, but laundry scent balls are a complete waste of money. All they do is add smelly chemicals to your wash. And white vinegar is a much better softener than most fabric softeners. If you make more economical choices, you won't feel tempted to buy these 'bargains.' I know it's unlikely, but imagine how you would feel if you were prosecuted.