posted on November 14, 2000 03:40:58 AM new
I'm not sure how to handle this, so I thought I'd ask the experts
We have a booth in an antique mall, well yesterday we noticed a $300 thermometer missing. First we went through the mall to see if it got misplaced, nope. Then we went to local malls seeing if someone may have stolen it and resold it to another dealer, nope.
Next we checked ebay, and there was one that sold 2 weeks ago (about the time it probably disappeared, but we're not sure when it came up missing). It was listed by a person locally (I know this because the ISP is local). The thing is the pictures are gone. How can I approach this person without making it sound like I thought They stole it. For all I know they may have purchased it from someone else who stole it, or since the photos are gone, I really don't even know if it's mine!
posted on November 14, 2000 03:53:52 AM new
Go to the seller and ask them where they purchased it from. There is no good answer here. If they tell you, you still have to proove it was a: stolen and b; yours. Seems like time to cut your losses and keep an eye out for the thief.
posted on November 14, 2000 04:20:55 AM new
Unless it is truely unique or marked in some way you may never prove it is the same. I would write that off and concentrate on doing an ID on the seller. If this is their mode of operation you will see them again. If you can get them for shoplifting the next time they come in prosecute them. If you are really tied off hire a PI for a week and get a complete watch on them for a week. It is amazing what that can turn up. Creeps are seldom broken in only one way.
posted on November 14, 2000 04:33:51 AM new
If it is an american thermometer it probably was ours, because they RARELY show up, let along two of them so close together in geographics.
I'm not so much interested in getting the item back, I don't know where the high bidder lives, so that may be more hassle than it's worth.
If the seller is, who I think it is, he's a fairly nice guy from what I know about him, and I thought perhaps I could warn him about whomever he brought it from.
Do you think that would be a good idea? My husband just says to drop it, but stealing is wrong! Regardless of why or who.
posted on November 14, 2000 05:11:18 AM new
Normally, you would contact the proper authorities and let them handle it. I would suggest the same thing here. You're only putting yourself at risk by wanting to handle it on your own.
posted on November 14, 2000 05:20:08 AM new
Thanx for all the suggestions. I think I'll just sit back and "observe". I honestly don't think this person would have stolen the item himself, I think a picker probably brought it to him.
I personally know dealers who no longer will buy things from individuals because of this exact problem. How sad for our country that we can no longer trust each other.
This is a thought from a 30-something too. Can you imagine how the older generations must feel?
posted on November 14, 2000 05:26:42 AM new
I have experience in this area.
Call local police & file a stolen item report. Have a copy of whatever remains of the seller's ad. You said the isp is local and the police detective should be able to approach the isp and get the seller's identification and talk with them.
I bought a used camera from someone local, had it up on ebay and received a visit from 2 detectives. Seems that the first seller had either stolen it himself or purchased it hot.
posted on November 14, 2000 05:28:11 AM new
oh flynn - I have to jump in here to defend the younger set.
When I was about 20 an older man I knew (mid sixties) asked if I were going to try to bribe someone, would I choose the 20 yr old or the 40 yr old...
I chose the younger person. I bought the myth that all us young-uns are liars, cheats and riff raff in general.
He swiftly informed me that in fact, it is the older person I would have the best chance of turning. He explained it was because people become jaded. He said young people were far more likely to still have ideals. He said we was taught this in the military.
As all these years have passed and I think he was right. The gal who comes to your yard sale and steals items to put in her booth is 42 not 22.
posted on November 14, 2000 06:38:33 AM new
VeryModern:
I hadn't thought of it in those terms. Now that I think about it more, he was probably right.
I do find as I get older, I, dare I say it, get wiser? Oh no, I'm starting to sound like my Dad!!!
If I only learned one thing out of this mess, is that I should ALWAYS lock up valuables. I never dreamed someone would/could steal a 12" thermometer. Thiefs sure are smart, aren't they?
I just hate going to malls that have a gazillion cases and it takes you a half hour to find someone to open one up, only to find that the item is too expensive for me (because the tag was flipped), or that it has damage of some sort.
posted on November 14, 2000 07:15:59 AM new
I can tell you when I worked at a thrift store that our biggest thieves were those over the age of 60+. Dishonesty doesnt have an age.
I am also 30-something and am sick of liars and thieves but if I were you, I definitely wouldn't take this matter into my own hands. Without solid proof--even if the item is super hard to find let alone in a small area-- you could be asking for more trouble. Good luck!
posted on November 14, 2000 08:01:25 AM new
I've caught multiple theives at my yard sales and at my old flea market booth and there were young ones and old ones. However, the younger the thief the more likely they were to fess up (shamed at being caught). Those I let go. The older they were, the more likely they were to lie and force me to call a security guard, only to find the item had "magically" leapt into their pockets or purse. Middle aged people seemed to get into the worst huff about it. I don't believe in prosecuting people on this level (I feel the cops have too many things to do around here for me to bring charges on a 20 dollar costume jewelry thing) but I do believe in actively shaming people which is in its own way far more humiliating than an anonymous policeman could ever be.
