Dealing with theft

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DarkLogicianOfCaos

Eschew Obfuscation
At a recent (yesterday) local tournament, someone stole two cards (Cyber Twin and Cyber End). After reviewing the security cameras we discovered who did it. However, the incident occurred at a far table, so we could not actually see the cards themselves. What we did see was, at the appropriate timestamp, the suspect looks toward the table from his, looks around, gets up, walks over to the table, places his hand flat onto the table where the cards were said to have been, sldie his hand off the table, immediately walk back to his table, lift his leg and slide his hand down toward his shoe.

The problem is, he could say that he just went over there to look for a pen, didn't find one and on his way back adjusted his socks. After all, the tape does not show the cards (picture too small and grainy). The store owner was concerned about a law suit, so he did not want to acuse without solid proof. I (head judge) said that the only way to protect himself is to have the police look at it and make the determination. I could make the accusation, but in order for UDE to do anything, it would require proof as well.

So, we decided to give the culprit a chance. We announced that we have the incident on tape and the suspect is easily identifiable, but that we would give him a chance to do the right thing. If the cards are in the mailbox by close of business, the police would not be called. They were returned. Now the question is, what should we do about this kid (and his brother, who is suspected as an accessory after the fact, by hiding the cards for him)? I ask this on the behalf of the owner (also the T.O.) and myself as head judge.

Side Note: Two parents saw the way we handled the situation, and even though it meant the tournament went 20 minutes long, they really were impressed.
 
Well, since you have no definitive proof, in my opinion you're done unless you really want to involve the police. The cards were returned, and it's likely that particular individual won't do it again (or get better at it so they don't get caught again!).

You gave them an out, and they took it. Other than watching them like a hawk next time, I think you're best bet is to cut them some slack and see what happens.

Just my $0.02, of course. I was given an out once by a shopkeeper a loooong time ago after pocketing some green index cards (I have no idea why), and it was the last time I ever even thought about something stupid like that. No parents were called, no police involvement. Just a "come back after school for the rest of the week and sweep the floors". Seemed like a fair punishment for a $0.99 theft :)
 
I would keep an eye on them. Not so much a close eye as to be obvious but I'm sure these guys realize now that they are first suspects if it happens again. So you shouldn't have to worry that much.

A couple of my *stupid* friends a few years back got caught with about 10 packs each of boosters (I forget what sets, a while ago) at Wal Mart. They are 1)Banned from Wal Mart 2)Had to pay like $300 in damages to Wal Mart 3)Placed on a one year probation..

That is a little too risky for me. If I want free cards, I'll judge and get my comp from the TO.
 
The sad part is, even some Judges can't be considered 100% "trustworthy". At our Sneak Preview for Cyberdark Impact, a small amount of Packs ended up missing.

On its own, it was very minor, as it was only about 4 Packs, but, if it was true that they were stolen, then it places all of our credibility in doubt with our TO, and the suspected individuals as well, and it also affects future events.

I'm saddened that it happened, as we were more than compensated for our work and effort by our TO, and it is very disappointing to have to discipline one of our own.
 
I am strict, but seeing as how the cards were returned & the theft was admitted, I'd ban the culprits from the store/venue anyways & just tell them to be thankful that it was not taken any further, involving "legalities" or their parents.
I have no time for thieves & they must learn the error of their ways through some kind of punishment, other than being embarrasingly "caught out", but that's just my view.
 
You can go at this one of two ways IMO. You can either ban the culprits from the venue....but they know who they are and you know who they are....and they know their reputation has been severely tarnished and one slip up could mean police involvement.....it's really the store owner's call. I wouldn't blame him for going either way with it.
 
Necromancer said:
I am strict, but seeing as how the cards were returned & the theft was admitted...
Click to expand...

Actually, there was no admittance. Part of the idea of letting him return the cards in the mailbox is that nobody would see him return them. Of course we know who he is. I think the store owner is nerous about banning him because the proof may be insufficiant, and in this litigeuos society, it is dangerous to make accusations--he doesn't wnat to get sued. I suppose I could ban him from playing there, because I'm not the owner, just the head judge. I mean, it is a sanctioned event, but not a premiere one. What trouble could I get into?

Still, I would be surprised to see him or his brother come back next week. Especially since the thief saw that we needed the guy who got ripped off to confirm the time frame and events preceeding it, so the thief knows that the guy knows who he is. All your advise is taken to heart.
 
I really dont see what the problem is. The Store Owner is free to allow whomever he wants to in his establishment. Sure he could be sued, but he would only have to present reasonable or credible evidence that the individual has the propensity to do harm to his business if he is allowed to frequent it.

If you place yourself at the mercy of "fear", then you are not protecting your "loyal customers", and knowing this, I wouldnt even be sure if I would want to go there if the Store Owner is more afraid of losing a lawsuit, than protecting my rights.
 
Wow! Never saw it like that....hhhmmmm. I mean, you're right. There is a morla indignation here. It is clear who the culprit was, even though legally it would be hard to prove.... but how much am I allowed to do?
 
First of all, I would like to commend you for the way you handled this difficult, but often encountered situation.

You discussed this situation with the store owner, the TO and with potential witnesses. You used the extra information provided by the security cameras. You avoided potential mistakes by accusing individuals without definite incriminating evidence. Lastly, you successfully recovered the stolen items and returned them to their rightful owner! Well done! (clap, clap, clap)

Despite your strong suspicions and video evidence, you still do not know 100% who the thief was, so don't make the mistake of accusing someone after the fact!


Personally, I would have a private meeting with the Store Owner, youself and any other pertinent or well-respected person and then invite this possible thief and his brother to this "meeting". Preface the meeting by telling these boys that they should not say anything at all until you have finished talking.

"You two know that last week, we had some cards stolen, but luckily these stolen cards were returned. I am going to be true to my word and not involve the police in this matter. However, you two brothers should know we have still have video evidence of who the thief or thieves were! We appreciate the fact that the items were returned; however, we may not forgive similar behavior in the future should it reoccur. Should we observe any similar criminal behavior in the future, we will report this to the police, and to the parents involved and possibly prosecute the criminals, not to mention ban them from the store! I know you guys wouldn't want anything similar to this to happen again. You guys are welcome to continue to play in the store, but REMEMBER, we have the cameras, and we are watching suspect individuals very closely."

[bright lights in suspect's faces while they sit, and a videotape held in one hand while tapping it in the other while the other 3 interrogators stand can be added for effect...]

That discussion held with the proper individuals should prevent some fingers from getting sticky...

doc
 
Ahhhh, now that fits better! I like that. It readresses the issue without directly accussing (legal point), but reminds them that we know that they know that we know what they did, making them potentially the prime suspects of any future problem, possibly, if worded correctly, even behoving them to look out for other incidences, since they wouldn't want to be suspected of something they didn't do next time. Excellent Doc! Thanks.
 
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