Now You See It, Now You Don't

This has nothing to do with the craft of a magician, although a slight of hand plays a major role.

This has to do with the habits of many young adults born in the 80’s when the housing boom in Spring Hill, Florida, was in its early stages, the poorest played-out planned development era in Hernando County. The kids were raised under conditions that all but guaranteed them a life of distress with repeat offenses of one crime or another. Quite often it’s one crime and another.

This has to do with shoplifting.

I admit there was a time in my life when I did a bit of it myself. The smartest thing I did to arrest these activities was to discontinue the habit when I turned 18. It was wrong then as it is now but this was back in the late sixties when store detectives lacked the assistance of cameras to nab an offender. Security enhancements have made the activity much riskier. Apparently not enough.

I’m not a witness to these finger-pickin’ crimes but the spoils of their dishonesty have been brought to my attention by the perpetrators themselves. They’re not only brave in their activities, but they’re down right proud of their successes. It’s like show-and-tell time.

By whatever means they steal their choices of apparel, footwear, bath items and a variety of other human wants, including food, it works very well. There are days when some go on a free-for-me shopping spree. And yet, they haven’t gotten caught.

I express my distaste, pointing out what the eventual repercussions can bring to their lives. A first time offender will most likely be given a citation similar in effect of a traffic offense. A Notice to Appear letter sets a court date with a fine and community service to follow but no jail time.

A trespass warning would be issued, prohibiting the person from entering the store forever more. If broken, there’s a civic fine of $200. If unpaid, the place of business reserves the right to proceed with a lawsuit. Retail theft is indeed punishable by law.

A person with a rap sheet goes directly to jail with a $350 bond. That’s just the beginning for restitution. The lack of a sales receipt comes at every shopper’s expense.

Of the three people I’ve come to know who have committed these acts, two are on probation for one reason or another, one of whom is on house arrest. The third person has a family of three ranging from 1 to 4 years old. All have menial jobs, if in fact they have a job at any given time. They are lazy at living, even more so with employment, leaving one job before securing another. None have a driver license because of one or more traffic infractions. It creates a situation whereby keeping a job is in jeopardy.

When I think of those babies, I have concerns they could likely become wards of the state when DCF takes the on the responsibility of their safekeeping. I would sorely miss the times they demand a high-five; it’s cute regardless of the number of times they insist I take part. We giggle together. We eat apples together. If taken from their parents, their smiley faces would be contorted; confusion would accompany tear-falls.

It’s disgusting that some children are made accomplices in the crimes. Baby carriages are a poor means of keeping thievery hidden from view.

Since moving to Spring Hill, there have been many times I’ve felt like a shock absorber, trying to cushion myself from the rocky paths of many who have been raised in environments foreign to my upbringing. At times I feel worn. I have become thankful multi-fold for having been a farmer’s son.

Not all people are distressing. I’ve met a more unique mix of people than any other place I’ve called home. They range from those in their 20's to others who are, or could be, grandparents to these young adults. Some are acquaintances while others are neighbors, or people I have come to know as friends. The number of true friends is limited and a long time in coming. As a result, we especially appreciate our relationships.

The kids I have come to know are good kids, no different than my own childhood friends. I can’t envision them growing up to be as their parents are. Only time will tell whether or not they are led to paths of petty crime.

I pray that the sons and daughters of today’s young adults are taught lessons that will keep them outside the confines of a detention center, or somewhere worse. Otherwise, now and again you’ll see them, then you won’t.