AIBU to “steal” this?

[AmiABadPersonn]

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?

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

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.

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

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

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.

What shite is this?!!!

@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

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

I will absolutely judge the fuck out of thieves.

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

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

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.

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

@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

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.

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).

I don't think anyone is in any need of an 'explanation' from you!

Why are you buying all that laundry stuff though? Scent balls? It doesn't matter if they normally cost £8, no one needs them so half price isn't a bargain. You could buy a box of supermarket brand powder, white vinegar for softener, and supermarket stain remover and it would be far cheaper than £10 a week at full price. By buying branded and unnecessary rubbish at a discount you are actually paying far more. The money saved on all that crap could be spent on food.

Because most of the trolls on MN are male.

If you have the napisan type stain remover in the tub then save the little baseball cap scoop. Buy supermarket washing powder. Use the scoop for the powder, it will be enough, the powder will last twice as long as the box says, and it takes seconds. No need for expensive pods.

Hopefully both you and him will get caught, I hope as a mother they throw the book at you, all your posts trying to justify what you’re doing are disgusting. You are self entitled and immoral and need to have a look at yourself without the rose tinted glasses. Lets be honest, you’re a common thief and you should be ashamed of yourself!

@Runnerinthenight agreed, but it didn't "@" the person saying only males would think a tenner a week on laundry stuff was a bargain., not sure why we kept clashing when we both agree the op is wrong in her life choice to buy from a drug "dealer" (addict)
Edited for typos

Shame you're not capable of reading the actual words in front of you, and that you condone criminality!

That's why I said:

If I couldn't afford to feed my children, you bet I'd probably take this route

I didn't say OP was doing that? I wasn't purely responding to the OP, I took in the other comments before mine and made my own comment.

This comment was directed at the OP

I do think though that if you cut out spending so much on fragrance for your laundry you'd be better off all round. Clearly you're feeling some guilt over this

HTH @Misthios as well.

Golden Swan White Vinegar, 5 l (Pack of 4) https://amzn.eu/d/01nyslqk

£17 for 20L. Can be stored almost anywhere but you can also find single 5L bottles if space is a real issue.

You're wrong.