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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to “steal” this?

940 replies

AmiABadPersonn · 24/06/2024 20:43

Hello everyone I just want your opinions on this as today I’ve been in a heated argument with my friend as to wether I am unreasonable or not.

I am off work on maternity leave so the funds are tight at minute. There is a man who lives near me I believe he is drug user, he sells half price stuff and also takes orders on what you want for half price. He knocks on my house about 1 or 2 times a week with a bag of half price goods. I always buy washing detergent and softeners from him because you can get a whole weeks laundry of the nice brands for around £10. Money is tight as I have just had a baby and I have 2 other children with my husband also. i also sometimes get baby milk formula from him if I’m running low because it’s cheap.

I feel like this is not wrong because if I didn’t buy it other people would. Even if no one bought it he would steal it anyway in hopes someone would buy it eventually.

Today my friend was at my house when he came so I offered her to have a look what he had. She immediately asked him where he got this stuff from and he replied “shop”. She didn’t say much after but when I finished buying my items she started shouting about how I’m funding his drugs addiction and I shouldn’t support it because I am now stealing too. I told her to relax it’s fine it’s only a couple of items. She didn’t say much and finished her coffee and left quick.

So am I morally wrong for this? Or would you do the same?

OP posts:
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8
coldcallerbaiter · 24/06/2024 21:58

I bought own brand laundry detergent today for £3 it smells good and works fine.

I would not encourage an addict thief to your home, they are untrustworthy and know other unpredictable people.

worcesterpear · 24/06/2024 21:58

Yes the only thing I took from this was how the hell can you spend £10 per week on washing stuff, and at the same time think it's a bargain? Even if you bought Ecover detergent and fabric conditioner, it would last for at least a month?

In general though, I agree I wouldn't want someone like this coming round to my house.

Simpsonsfan · 24/06/2024 21:57

SoupDragon · 24/06/2024 21:55

you don't see a problem with buying stolen goods? Really?

No I don't. Especially from big supermarkets, it's not like they're not making millions. Explain to me what your issue is.

HappyGoSadly · 24/06/2024 21:57

Theft of baby milk keeps prices high for those of us who are struggling but are honest.

You can buy a box of surf from amazon that does 140 washes for £14.
Or two £5.99 boxes of "easy" powder (which is identical) from the range which do 75 washes each.
Even if you're doing a wash a day, that will last 20 weeks, a saving of £190.
A tin of baby formula from Iceland is £7.95.

Unless you have quintuplets that should be doable...?

It does come across that you are justifying theft because you have a desire for "branded" products, when they are most usually made in the same factory.

Moreover "ordering" from him means he's stealing to order. So many people suffer from this, the staff and other shoppers alike.

Shame

CalicoPusscat · 24/06/2024 21:57

viques · 24/06/2024 21:50

Yes children, because every time a druggie steals a bottle of fairy washing detergent , a supermarket CEO dies.
👼

Edited

🤣 don't make me laugh!!

byteme1011 · 24/06/2024 21:57

I suspect this is a reverse and you are the friend and I wouldn't call this stealing but I'd be very wary buying off him if he's a drug user like previous posters have said, he's going to come round when he's desperate

boredm · 24/06/2024 21:56

Fluffypuppy1 · 24/06/2024 21:47

This.

I’m really interested in hearing about the supposed luxury laundry products that cost £10 per week (when that’s a massive discount). I buy brand products and don’t spend anywhere near that amount.

I spend about this on Persil, or maybe 2 packs per 10 days

SoupDragon · 24/06/2024 21:55

Simpsonsfan · 24/06/2024 21:54

I honestly don't see any problem with this. I'd make sure everything was in sealed packages but I'd do that at the supermarket.

you don't see a problem with buying stolen goods? Really?

Simpsonsfan · 24/06/2024 21:54

I honestly don't see any problem with this. I'd make sure everything was in sealed packages but I'd do that at the supermarket.

Wheresyourvote · 24/06/2024 21:54

@itsmylife7

No,I wouldn't have a low life near my house or family.

You must of had a comfortable life to be so ignorant, lucky you.

spikeandbuffy · 24/06/2024 21:54

You can get 130 washes persil box online for £20!

Overthebow · 24/06/2024 21:53

If money is tight there’s no way you need to spend £10 a week on laundry detergent and softener.

Runnerinthenight · 24/06/2024 21:53

LlamaTwirl · 24/06/2024 21:11

You are morally wrong for doing this. I'd probably do it too, wouldn't steal from a shop myself though.

Why would you, if you know it's morally wrong?

GooseClues · 24/06/2024 21:52

Are you 100% sure he’s stealing?
Counterfeits of branded goods are a thing. Really! You would think “who tf would counterfeit Ariel “ but they do and it’s part of organised crime. I would definitely not buy baby formula from unknown origins.

Ginmonkeyagain · 24/06/2024 21:51

@Fluffypuppy1 there are fancy eco brands that cost about &8 - £10 a litre.

I am a bit of a middle class twat and buy Wilton Cedarwood liquid when it is on Nectar offers in Sainsbury's as the smell is lovely. But that lasts us about two months, if not more.

Riversideandrelax · 24/06/2024 21:51

To be perfectly honest, I do know someone who buys things like this and I do judge them. I mean ultimately it's not right is it? I'd probably be more understanding if I knew someone was hand to mouth and very poor.

StormingNorman · 24/06/2024 21:51

Fluffypuppy1 · 24/06/2024 21:47

This.

I’m really interested in hearing about the supposed luxury laundry products that cost £10 per week (when that’s a massive discount). I buy brand products and don’t spend anywhere near that amount.

Must be two scoops of Vanish in every wash 😂

pasturesgreen · 24/06/2024 21:51

Apart from anything else, you now have a known thief coming to your door regularly a few times a week.

That really is not a desirable state of affairs, as even if you wanted to put a stop to it, he's now likely to keep pestering you as he knows you're a soft touch.

Peacefulbeach · 24/06/2024 21:50

Your mate is right. This is inexcusable. As long as there’s demand (you) he’ll continue to supply (steal). And you’re funding his drug habit. Drugs cause immense harm & suffering to not just the person using. All the people along the chain. The theft, violence and the way they wreck lives of users and their families . And why would you want any involvement with a druggie at your home where you have children? You are putting them at risk. He could turn nasty. Addicts can’t be trusted. Buy cheaper detergent etc, look into money saving tips for your home there’s loads of great advice out there. Buying stolen goods is not the answer OP.

SoupDragon · 24/06/2024 21:50

boredm · 24/06/2024 21:40

I think the supermarkets should be nationalised

😂

HariusPotter · 24/06/2024 21:50

It isn't child benefit - it's child element.

one is 16.95 a week

child element is 287 pcm

you get child benefit for every child

viques · 24/06/2024 21:50

SuperGreens · 24/06/2024 21:15

Couldn't care less. That the CEO of Tesco got a $12.6 million bonus this year (what cost of living crisis eh) strikes me as bigger issue in the realm of theft and wrong doing. Carry on as far as I'm concerned.

Yes children, because every time a druggie steals a bottle of fairy washing detergent , a supermarket CEO dies.
👼

Runnerinthenight · 24/06/2024 21:49

boredm · 24/06/2024 21:09

It is wrong to steal from small businesses, not supermarkets. Food and hygiene should be a right

Bullshit.

HariusPotter · 24/06/2024 21:48

she surely means a month?

StormingNorman · 24/06/2024 21:48

HariusPotter · 24/06/2024 21:44

Is this because you don't get paid for 3rd child?

How much is the baby milk?

Not getting child benefit doesn’t excuse stealing, and if £60 a month benefit tips the scales of affordability for another child, you can’t really afford any more.

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