If Anger is a weakness

[shippy]

Given the gentleman's age, it's possible that he's suffering from dementia or Alzheimers. So many people suffering from either of these conditions go wandering off in a state of confusion. How many times do we see news items asking if anyone has seen elderly missing people?

It's entirely possible that the store manager realised that this was the case, and called the police to help out. Better that than letting the poor soul go wandering off.

The old chap "borrowed" some second hand books...big deal..these charity shops should offer books to the elderly for nothing....it's called charity...charity begins at home..look after those vulnerable and elderly. people first...it might encourage these elderly folks to go out more, if they
Know they can get freebies legally from the charity shops...

Yes, it's possible the police were called in to intervene, because he was confused. Let's give that particular charity shop the benefit of the doubt..

[said]

The old chap "borrowed" some second hand books...big deal..these charity shops should offer books to the elderly for nothing....it's called charity...charity begins at home..look after those vulnerable and elderly. people first...it might encourage these elderly folks to go out more, if they
Know they can get freebies legally from the charity shops...

Yes, it's possible the police were called in to intervene, because he was confused. Let's give that particular charity shop the benefit of the doubt..

There is absolutely no excuse for lack of consideration and aforethought unless those people at fault are suffering some brain disability!

[salus.populi]

The old chap "borrowed" some second hand books...big deal..these charity shops should offer books to the elderly for nothing....)

Borrowed? So he was going to take them back was he?
There's a library that serves that purpose perfectly well a couple of minutes walk away.

If it was a teenager shoplifting some of you'd be praising the shop and the police and calling for his hands to be chopped off.

Is a shopworker supposed to make a medical diagnosis of someone in the act of stealing before deciding whether to call the police?

[Hamble]

Shops usually have a sign.


Most Police Officers I am sure would notice pretty soon in their questioning if the pensioner was confused or financially suffering.

The next step would be a caution or referral to Social Services.

[Ceam]

Love all the assumptions about the mans state of mind. :-)

I'm still failing to see what his age has got to do with anything.

[Alikado]

Love all the assumptions about the mans state of mind. :-)

I'm still failing to see what his age has got to do with anything.

At his age he should know better.

[said]

Given the gentleman's age, it's possible that he's suffering from dementia or Alzheimers. So many people suffering from either of these conditions go wandering off in a state of confusion. How many times do we see news items asking if anyone has seen elderly missing people?

It's entirely possible that the store manager realised that this was the case, and called the police to help out. Better that than letting the poor soul go wandering off.

I agree! But it was reported that the man was 'arrested' and taken to 'Copy Lane' Police Station! If he was arrested, then he must have been charged. To be charged the manager would have had to make a complaint. He has a long wander to get back to Southport

[Little Londoner]

May as well string the old codger up, pity is they can't catch the SH*TE that are smashing the Town up on a regular basis.
The brains of the usual argumentative suspects on here are so big if they were dynamite they wouldn't have enough to blow their cap off.

[gsgsgs]

I agree! But it was reported that the man was 'arrested' and taken to 'Copy Lane' Police Station! If he was arrested, then he must have been charged. To be charged the manager would have had to make a complaint. He has a long wander to get back to Southport

Just because he was arrested does not mean he was charged, he may have be arrested for his own safety if the assumptions of dementia are true and later released without charge.

As there is no substantiated evidence to the saga as the source can't be revealed we are all at best guessing?

[seivad]

As there is no substantiated evidence to the saga as the source can't revealed we are all at best guessing?

The source was OTS News...journalism par excellence!

I can't post a link, but if you Google " Geriatric shoplifter lifted on Lord Street, Southport", you'll find it. The news title should give you a clue as to the tone of the news item

[Hamble]

[QUOTE=gsgsgs;6620669]Just because he was arrested does not mean he was charged, he may have be arrested for his own safety if the assumptions of dementia are true and later released without charge.

The police are much better at delivering social services and paid a lot less than the official department.

Was the man apprehended or arrested?

[said]

[QUOTE=Hamble;6620687]

Just because he was arrested does not mean he was charged, he may have be arrested for his own safety if the assumptions of dementia are true and later released without charge.

The police are much better at delivering social services and paid a lot less than the official department.

Was the man apprehended or arrested?

The official line given in the only report available is that he 'was taken to Copy Lane for questioning'. Surely, 'taken into custody' is where the Police hold someone for their own safety - not 'arrest them'?

[gsgsgs]

[QUOTE=said;6620717]

The official line given in the only report available is that he 'was taken to Copy Lane for questioning'. Surely, 'taken into custody' is where the Police hold someone for their own safety - not 'arrest them'?

I'm confused, who says he been arrested? As you say the report says 'taken to Copy Lane' no mention of an arrest?

[Hamble]

[QUOTE=gsgsgs;6620727]

Quote said
"I'm confused, who says he been arrested? As you say the report says 'taken to Copy Lane' no mention of an arrest?

"

That was said's quote in reply to gsgsgs.

Hamble's reply
"Was the man apprehended or arrested?"

[toothache]

Perhaps he stole the books to get arrested so he could have a meal and preferring time in the cells to sleeping rough in this very cold weather?

We might be able to see better, more moralistic ways out of a predicament like that but he might not have been able to.
Just a thought. I don’t actually know anything about his circumstances.