🚀 go-pugleaf

Al wrote:
> 
> John A. Weeks III wrote:
> > In article <cYOdnSNXmerXXiDenZ2dnUVZ_sydnZ2d@comcast.com>,
> >  David Chesler <chesler@post.harvard.edu> wrote:
> >
> >
> >>John A. Weeks III wrote:
> >>
> >>>                         The weight of facts in favor of
> >>>the store owning the item is far greater than the weight of the
> >>>facts of the perpetrator owning the item.
> >>
> >>  Possession is 9/10 of the law.  It is undisputed that OP had
> >>the item when he was on the returns line.
> >
> >
> > If that is your idea of law, then how would you propose to
> > prosecute shoplifting?  If all I have to do is take an item
> > and it becomes mine, then that gives a whole new meaning to
> > shopping.  I never have to pay for anything again.
> >
> >
> >>  Under the old common law what they did was not theft, although in
> >>some cases it might be barritry, or consignment, or unlawful disposal
> >>of goods lawfully obtained, or illegal conversion, all of which have
> >>been crimes for a long time.  I don't know the statutes in MN, but
> >>most likely all forms of taking what isn't yours are larceny.
> >
> >
> > I don't think anyone disputes that.  The dispute is who owned
> > the property--the store or the perpatrator.
> >
> >
> >>>                                          As a result, the store
> >>>should keep their item unless the perpetrator can prove otherwise.
> >>
> >>  "Should" is interesting.  Is that "should" as in "will maximize their
> >>profits, because they'll piss off some customers, only some of whom
> >>will make a stink, but they'll catch more would-be thieves this way"?
> >
> >
> > It is worth pissing off a few customers to pervent retail theft.
> > Consider that if a typical customer buys a typical $1000 item,
> > the store might earn $50 in profit.  Yes, margins are that thin
> > on stuff like computers and TV's.  If a thief takes a typical
> > $1000 item, the store is out $950 for the cost of the item.
> > That makes the loss of one item cost the same as the profit from
> > 19 customers.  You also need to factor in the heard-like mentality
> > of the great masses--if you catch a few high profile shoplifters
> > and make a bit of news, everyone hears about it, which tends to
> > help keep the honest people honest.
> >
> > -john-
> >
> 
> This thread is the best troll ever. You folks have way too much time on
> your hands. What if the guy had an actual problem? LOL

We are merely here for your entertainment.

trent
-- 
"This user has a pattern of behaviour in the usenet group chi.forsale
that borders on abusive."