Theft at Tampa gun show

[Sig35seven]

I was admiring an assortment of knives at the Tampa gun show recently. The knives are laid out on tables as I'm sure many of you have seen. Two very shady looking guys (purple hair and lots of piercings and tattoos) were handling many of the knives. As I watched from across the table I saw one of the fellows palm a knife and didn't put it back. As he slowly began to walk away I saw him put it in his right pocket. ($75.00 price tag)

I quickly requested to speak to the owner of the booth. he came right over and told him what I had seen and pointed out the guy. He then contacted security on his radio. The amazing thing was how many plain clothes officers responded almost instantly out of nowhere. The officer got right in the guys face and told him he knew he had stolen a knife. The man reached in his pocket and handed it over. Returned to the booth owner. By now the regular uniformed police arrived.

The question was asked to the booth owner...do you want to press charges? He said no...it's not worth the effort since the knife was returned and all was well. He shook my hand and thanked me.

The part that floored me was they let the guy go!! They didn't even make him leave the show. He was allowed to continue on his way.
He walked down the isle once again looking for knife vendors.

I approached the officers and let them know that I understand not going through all the paper work and filing a charge against the guy but I was disappointed they at least didn't throw them out of the building. What a great lesson they taught the thieves.

The officers also taught me a lesson. Next time I may not bother and just look the other way. They don't care so why should I? Sad but true.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[RoadRunner71]

Right is right. You did your part. I would have done the same thing. If the vendor chose not to press charges, or if the authorities didn't kick them out, that is not your issue.

You know what happens to Evil when Good people do nothing?

Evil wins.

Keep doing the right thing.

[Sig35seven]

Right is right. You did your part. I would have done the same thing. If the vendor chose not to press charges, or if the authorities didn't kick them out, that is not your issue.

You know what happens to Evil when Good people do nothing?

Evil wins.

Keep doing the right thing.

I will. It's my nature but I am sure disappointed at how the rest of society is so ready to turn their heads. Apathetic bunch of sheep.

[retsupt99]

This is why people will keep stealing...no penalty for getting caught.

When my son was about 6 years old, he took some gum from a Navy Exchange. The individual in charge of the the complex was a friend of mine and I called him for some help. I made my son go back to the store and 'face the music'. My buddy was gentle but persuasive about why little boys shouldn't take things without paying for them.
My son had to dig some pennies out of his little wallet and could hardly grab the coins because he was shaking so much. He remembered that for a long time.
Today's dirtbags were once little boys who most likely received no direction.OMOYMV

[ctsketch]

You did your part, the show dropped the ball..at the very least they should be removed/banned

[dripster]

In some states petty theft is not worth the time to do the paperwork & processing, so many Officers shytecan the job.

[Sig35seven]

In some states petty theft is not worth the time to do the paperwork & processing, so many Officers shytecan the job.

I don't disagree but at least throw the s-o-b's out the door.

[Hiram25]

Dirtbag probably made one lap of the floor, circled back and picked up the knife he wanted in the first place.

[BlueNinjaGo]

In some states petty theft is not worth the time to do the paperwork & processing

The next time he gets caught doing something worse, he won't have a "clean record" and perhaps he'll get put away for a decent amount of time.

[dukalmighty]

Each time a thief gets caught stealing cut one hand off,he won't steal more than twice in his life

[Old School]

At the very least I am surprised he was not trespassed and removed from the show especially if the uniformed officers were LEO's and not security.

[straightshooter]

Each time a thief gets caught stealing cut one hand off,he won't steal more than twice in his life

Sounds like a good plan.

[tkruf]

I agree. You did the right thing and should keep on doing the right thing, even if the owner and LEO's did nothing to him. He won't learn his lesson, ..this time. Next time he may not be so lucky.

Yeah, they should have atleast kicked him out of the gun show.

[Pistology]

The book tag alarm went off at the libraray door at my community college. When I notified the desk librarian assistants (college money job) they said they aren't allowed to do anything - it's too dangerous. I wrote to the Student Council. Soon, there was a security guard stationed at the door.
Seems like everybody was in their places at the show. You ought to write to the show sponsor / management company / whatever and tell them you don't want to spend extra money because of theives or those who tolerate them. Stealing causes price increases to compensate for the loss. And that makes the show less attractive to you, a smart consumer, and decent citizen who just prefers to associate with a higher class of people. Relate the story and request that theives be removed.

[automatic slim]

What's the point of having security and LEO's if they're not going to enforce the law? I'll bet a check on the dirt bag would of shown an active warrant.