I cant let this pass without sharing it…!

A young guy barged into my store (he has done this before too and thrown things around) Today he came with an older friend. They tried to talk to me and distract my attention while they could find something to steal. Recognising the younger guy, I asked him to leave…He was very defensive and spoke to me from very near and was almost touching my face…I was too terrified to react. He stood in front of my table and I knew he was lifting something but I couldn’t stop him out of fear…He left after doing what he wanted to do.

I stepped out and rushed to my neighbour who has had a similar encounter…He suggested I should call the police…

I returned to the store to check and to my horror the guy had stolen my iPod! The first gift my husband gave me and it has a precious message engraved on it! I was devastated! 

I called the Police. They were quite indifferent. I called the property manager- all he could do was empathise…I called my neighbours and they were all sorry for me and happy that they were spared…BUT, none could help me immediately. 

Well then, I had to do something myself! I took off in the same direction as the guy had run and remembered a friend on Twitter once telling me that the homeless guys are usually under the bridge near by (she often gave them food).

Once under the bridge, I saw the two guys playing with things inside the bin along with many others. I called my husband- told him exactly where I was (in case something happens) and I asked him to call the police and inform them that the thief I reported about was here! I went nearer. The younger one came to me fearlessly, “What do you want?” he asked. I didn’t answer. I was trembling! As I started dialling my phone again, this young guy gave me the iPod…”Dont call the police- take this back” he said handing the device back. The older guy came near too and apologised ‘”Ï’m sorry, he didnt tell me that he had stolen something. Are we in trouble?”

“Yes” I answered and they ran away from me towards the flinders st station…I stood there amazed at myself.

I realised that I am not the chicken I thought I was…I’m not the same idiot who took silly racist remarks at train stations with my head down, out of fear…I am not the woman who NEVER goes out alone after sunset…I am not a coward, just that I have been over-protected. This incident has changed my life.Although, I am not alone, I now know that I am the only one responsible for my life. Noted. This will be an important lesson that I will remember for life!

The police called much later and I let them know that the iPod is back with me and also gave them the wherabouts of the guy. They asked me if I wanted to charge him. I was amazed at the question. Back in my country, no one would bother asking you if you want to charge or warn a criminal…! It was not a choice we have-the person who commits a crime will go to jail (if they manage to catch him, of course). Anyway, I was in a state of shock so I just asked them not to do anything!

Returned to my seat and sat down to chat with friends on Twitter-the only people I know and talk to, in this country. I felt better after sharing this with them and thankfully they were all encouraging enough. 

I feel for the young guy now. I want to know if he is fine. I do realise that there are no good or bad people just positively or negatively influenced ones. I have hence decided to visit these homeless guys here often- to help in whatever way I can. I cant do more than just try. And that I Will.