Cop takes pity, pays for needy teen’s shoplifted items

Constable Niran Jeyanesan chose kindness over crime charges.  Image: Toronto Police Service

A shoplifting incident turned into an act of kindness when a police officer got curious about the items being stolen.

According to the Globe and Mail, Constable Niran Jeyanesan and his partner were called to a Walmart after an 18-year-old was caught stealing items, which consisted of a long-sleeved shirt, a tie and a pair of socks. Jeyanesan noted that these were not the usual targets for theft.

When the officer asked why he tried to steal those items, the teen confessed that he needed them to wear for a job interview, adding he was short on cash after his family had lost their home and his father, the breadwinner, had contracted a serious illness.

The young man felt responsible for his family, which included younger siblings.

Before bringing the teen to the police station, Jeyanesan purchased the items, save for the socks, without the man knowing it.

The man left without charges and with the new clothes among his possessions.

Jeyanesan said, “We try to get everybody’s story when we attend calls. Everyone has their own battles that they’re fighting.

“It doesn’t excuse them, but behind every action there’s a reason why this person is doing it.”

Toronto police spokesperson Mark Pugash commended the officer for his discretion in that situation. “He understood the importance of what happened, that this could easily be seen as a crossroads in this young man’s life, and took the very commendable decision to assist in the way he did.”

The teen has since nabbed the job after passing the interview wearing both the shirt and tie that Jeyanesan had paid for. He started working for the company this week, reports CP24.

The police also found the man’s father a job “through some friends who were willing to help out.”  Niña V. Guno /ra

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