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?

How much are you paying per wash? You must not be struggling, though. Someone who genuinely had to buy stolen goods at the door would only buy stolen branded if it was cheaper than the supermarket brand.

You don't have to be "comfortable" to keep away from scum.

Supporting theft makes prices go up that little bit more for everyone else. And as so many others have said, I wouldn't want to encourage unnecessary interaction with someone you know is dependent on drugs and may behave irrationally or aggressively, as a result. It's a terrible idea, all around.

I think you maybe should be!!!

No come on, you can’t think this is ok?! You’re buying stolen baby milk from a drug addict? Do you not worry?! This is madness and very dangerous, you should absolutely stop.

Please speak to your HV or a local baby bank if you need milk

I'd have called the police the first time he knocked tbh.

Putting morals aside the biggest issue here is that you’re letting someone addicted to drugs so close to your home.

It is almost inevitable that you’ll end up burgled/mugged on the doorstep. Shoplifters have days where they’re clocked early and cannot shoplift - so where do you think they turn next?

Thanks to shoplifters we all pay more.

Scummer. You or him? You decide. It might be both.

Hear hear. I cannot find it in me to get worked up about this when the supermarkets are robbing us blind, as are the transport companies and the government themselves. (Lady Moan and her good husband Baron Pisstake come to mind) That said, I think that OP would probably be as well to not patronise this gent any more as he might have some unsavoury friends and it's not the sort of person I'd want around my kids. Not a moral judgement, more of a precaution.

I sincerely hope you are not a parent with morals like that.

I wouldn't buy things off them no. It's wrong, you are handling stolen goods.
People like this only steal because there is a market for it.

Someone who buys stolen goods from a junkie is not a good person.

At least you're not a judgemental person that jumps to conclusions. I'd rather be on my side thanks.

YABU. I knew someone years ago, friend of a man old school friend who could get £100 worth of good for £50. He was using stolen cheques and £50 wax the limit without checks. Old school friend was confused when I said - No thanks.

I started buying it when I did have more money so I suppose I just haven't switched to cheaper stuff but I really should

Jesus, how are people spending a tenner a week on powder and softener? I'd have to be taking in washing for the whole street to be hitting those kinds of costs.

Buy something on offer instead of whatever Giro Jim can stash in his joggers and still run.

Who actually cares! Assuming the theft is from large supermarkets, so what. They dictate prices and make huge profits. Maternity pay is shit. No one should have to spend £15 on formula. And, you buying it is not the cause of this persons addiction.

It’s illegal
It’s immoral
It puts the prices up for everyone else
Supermarket staff get abused by thieves
The supermarkets don’t owe you anything
It encourages and supports organised crime
Public services lose out on tax from VAT
It wastes police time when they attend a theft.

Bloody predicted text🤦‍♀️ an old school friend and food

YABU, you’re handling stolen goods.

And if you’re spending £10 a week on washing powder then you’re either using way too much or not smart enough to realise the shoplifter is charging you more than it costs in the shop!

Well I can look myself in the mirror with a clear conscience. I am way happier on mine.

Most decent people do. How can you actually sit there and condone it?

OP is desperate, she is short of cash. I don't condone theft but it's a bit much to call her a 'bad person'. What is your opinion on the profiteer CEOs of the supermarkets and energy companies? Are they ok by you because their theft is within the law?

And there we have it.

You are the OP? Bit of an F for fail there?

She's having you on - she's having us all on. Read my post above!