Accidental shoplifting?

[occb]

Does anyone else go shopping and pick up something to buy, but forget you're holding it? And then you walk out of the store without paying for it? (nevermind forgetting why you went to the store in the first place) Partner does this ALOT!

I have actually witnessed him place things for purchase on the counter, pull out his wallet, and take out money, all the while the hand that's holding the wallet has something else he intends to buy, but forgets to put it on the counter. He even forgets it's in his hand, despite it being very obvious to me, the cashier, and people in line. The funny thing is, the cashiers never say anything! I usually pluck it out and put it down, and then he realizes it's there and pays for it.

We've come home to discover he's waltzed out with guitar picks, drinks, chocolate. Thankfully it's never something big or expensive *phew*

I try to keep an eye on him, but I'm not always able, and sometimes the things wind up in his pocket, because, at some point he realizes he's holding something, and gets tired of holding it, so puts it away.

This behaviour is not chronic. It comes and goes, just like his other episodes. How would I ever explain it to the police if he got caught, considering even his doctor thinks there's nothing wrong with him.

[Nakamova]

I did that the other day, when I was buying some stuff at a stationery store. I realized it when I was putting my wallet away.

[valeriedl]

My dad did it not too long ago. He went to one of those large discount stores. He had the buggy full of stuff and had things on the bottom rack of the buggy. He didn't realize it until he got out of store and was putting stuff into the car that the stuff on the bottom didn't get checked out or paid for.

I did it at the pharmacy. I had my perscription and a few other things at the register. I don't remember exactly what happened, I think I was asking the teller a question. I didn't know I walked out without paying for the perscription, but I paid for everything else, until I got one of those automated messages from the pharmacy telling me to come pick it up.

My husband did it here at Christmas time. We were in a small store and he found a pair of gloves that he was going to get. He put them in his jacket pocket because he found something he wanted to try on and didn't want to forget to get the gloves. We paid for what we got. When we got home though, he reached into his pocket and there were the gloves that never got paid for.

I think we've all done it one time or the other. I can't believe that the teller didn't say anything to him though.

[occb]

It's a relief to hear others do it too -- with or without E. I've done the bottom rack of the cart once, but I've never forgotten what's in my hand, whether I'm at the till paying or not. With him it'll happen almost every time we shop for a few weeks, then stop.

Yeah... the cashiers not saying anything is weird.

[crazychick10793]

lol i've done that. usually it's some small random toy, or a dog bone, or something random i picked up that i didn't even need to buy.

[Rae1889]

Yup me and my mum have done it. my mum on NUMEROUS occasions.

She has left things in the cart, not remember that she hadnt paid for them yet, or holds something for so long she forgets that its not hers yet

[occb]

It's like Christmas! Crazychick, that makes me feel a little better. I was wondering if others did this too. He tells me it used to be worse when he was younger, and he'd wind up with all sorts of stuff in his hand or pocket which he didn't even intend to buy and wondering why he had it. At least he's more discerning now

[occb]

... or holds something for so long she forgets that its not hers yet

I think that describes it perfectly.

[crazychick10793]

i get severely emotionally attached to some objects. sometimes, i'll pick something up, and not be able to put it back or i'll start to cry! i don't know why i'm like that lol

[occb]

Aw... do you still get that? That must be frustrating!

[C0urt]

did it at the library a few days ago, and i only had the one book.
so i went back in and checked it out.

[horsehead]

Yep I've done that. Normally I'll figure it out by the time I get to the car. Then I'll walk back in the store and pay for the item. People , even the cashiers ,look at me like I am crazy when I bring the item back in to pay for it.

[appsandsuch]

I've definitely done that before. Most recently, however, I did it following a Complex Partial Seizure. I was in TJMaxx (damn lights set me off!) and had a small seizure. When I came to, I was confused, only sort of knew where I was, and knew I just wanted to get myself out of there and get home. It was only after I had walked out of the store that I realized I was holding three dresses. I was most surprised no one said anything, especially since I must have set off alarms. Though, to be honest, even if they were calling after me, I wouldn't have noticed! I felt like a total dumbass.

I went back a few days later with the intent to purchase what I had stolen, explained what had happened, and they were totally cool with it. I'm not even sure if the cashier even listened to what I said