Neighbor Stole SWMBO's pain meds--call the cops?

Flyin' Lion · 10-31-2008, 12:40 PM

The title pretty much says it all. Last night my wife noticed her (100 count) bottle of Oxycodone was gone. She immediately jumped to the conclusion that our dirtbag neighbor, who steals pain meds from his grandfather and was in our house at least three times this week, stole them. She called him at 11:00 PM last night and after going all "Jersey" on him, he fessed up. She wanted to call the cops, I said no.

Now, we've known these people for eight years and they have been like family to us. But, this level of betrayal is unforgiveable (he stole pain meds from a cancer patient). My thinking, though, is that if we called the cops then we become the "bad guys" and I don't want to push a drug addict into some irrational act.

So here's the poll, would you have called the cops (SWMBO still wants to)?

EDIT: he's got a record already and his previous stints in jail have done nothing to "teach him a lesson."

EDIT 2: SWMBO was able to recover 55 of the 97 pills that were taken. We assume he sold the rest.

**Laughing_Gnome_Invisible** · 10-31-2008, 12:45 PM

You should have included a "Give him a cock punch" option. I woulda gone for that.

**bradsul** · 10-31-2008, 12:45 PM

I say yes. Nice guy or not, stealing meds from a cancer patient is so low he doesn't deserve the respect not calling would show.

**shecky** · 10-31-2008, 12:47 PM

Neighbor or not, if he's stealing prescription meds it's a crime. Some tough love might be in order.

flyangler18 · 10-31-2008, 12:49 PM

Call the cops, he committed a crime. No question there.

Give him a cockpunch to get the point across.

uglygoat · 10-31-2008, 12:50 PM

tough one. why again was the crack head in your house three times last week?

zoebisch01 · 10-31-2008, 12:53 PM

Oh man that's a tuffy. On one hand he obviously has an addiction, but remember he is the one who cut the relationship not you. I would involve the police only if you are prepared to have him hate you. It was a cockpunch worthy act, that's for sure. I voted "no" but that is a preliminary action. Did he return what was stolen? He confessed, what did he say after that? I also think how you handle the situation is important as well if you want to try and preserve any part of the relationship. Otherwise, a phone call to the police is in order.

homebrewer_99 · 10-31-2008, 01:00 PM

I voted to call the cops, but since you know the guy's a dirtbag already you could ask for them back or else...if he refuses, tell him that it's him placing himself in this situation not you.

**Nurmey** · 10-31-2008, 01:11 PM

By calling the police, you may be saving one of your neighbors from being robbed. He needs help if he is stealing from family and friends. How do you know hasn't victimized someone else already? Do you have any elderly neighbors? His next crime, and it is a crime, may be quite a bit more forceful.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 10-31-2008, 01:17 PM

A lot of dirt-bags are really nice people... that doesn't mean you don't have to watch them like a hawk. If he is stealing from you and you have a personal relationship with him, he just ended it. Call the cops and put him away. I would also consider a restraining order.