Exeter student's eyelash theft bill
A TEENAGE boy who took two pairs of false eyelashes worth £7.50 from a city store has ended up with a bill for almost £90.
Exeter College student Adam Hardy had taken the eyelashes from Superdrug in the Guildhall Shopping Centre for his girlfriend.
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Adam Hardy with parents Maria and Mike
His angry dad, Mike, 47, of Farm Hill, Exwick, said: “I was furious when he told me what he had done — although I was glad he hadn’t taken them for himself.
“But then this bill arrives from a firm of civil recovery specialists demanding he pay £87.50.
“It seems the bill has been sent rather than calling in the police.”
Mr Hardy senior, who is registered disabled, said: “He wasn’t very good at taking the eyelashes from the store. The security men caught him straightaway and Adam handed back the eyelashes.
“Because he didn’t make a fuss and owned up they said they wouldn’t call the police — but now this.
“This bill, which states that it was a wrongful act that caused Superdrug loss, says that the eyelashes cost £7.50 and were returned undamaged — but it goes on to charge £52.50 for staff management time investigating and/or dealing with the incident; £15.75 for administration costs and a further £19.25 for apportioned security and surveillance costs.
“It’s ludicrous. Of course he did wrong but I think he was intimidated and scared.
“There were three of them. He’s only 18 and hasn’t got any money to pay this sort of thing. He is very sorry and would happily write a letter of apology if they could drop the bill.”
Andrew McNeilly, the manager of the Guildhall Shopping Centre, said he was surprised that Mr Hardy should now be complaining.
“This sort of action saves giving a youngster a criminal record and it also saves calling the police and using their resources for the matter,” he said.
“Quite often retailers see civil recovery of costs as a more effective deterrent.
“It does depend on the security people. It would not be a course they would adopt in the case of a prolific offender or someone who was found to have taken goods of considerable value.”
He added: “Security officers will deal with them on a case-by-case basis.
“Many retailers have to employ security staff to protect their stock and you and I have to pay for that. This is a way to charge those who steal and allow retailers to defer some of those costs.”
38 Comments
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by CantBelieveIt, Exeter
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 4:03PM
“I can't believe this boy's father has to display himself in the Echo. I would be so ashamed if my children had done such a thing and I know they wouldn't because they know right from wrong. Why does he think he has an axe to grind here. Some people just have different values in life. I am fed up for paying for other people's misdemeanors”
by rebecca, exeter
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 2:28PM
“give him the record he might not complain then..... get a life and grow up. now everyone knows what you look like they can be on the look out to make sure you dont steal any eye shadow to go with them.”
by Laura, Herts
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 12:27PM
“Shouldn't have stolen them in the first place! Your own fault really... And to echo what alot of other people have said, why make this public, you are humiliating yourself and your family!”
by Anthony, Exeter
Wednesday, November 25 2009, 10:33AM
“Well, clearly not the most accomplished thief this lad and his family are also not the brightest indviduals either. Thankfully their lack of shame brings their ignorance to the public and community domane.
Having been apprehended stealing this lad should have explained to his family prior to recieving a request for costs as if they are such a suportive and understanding family they would have understood his crime was one of passion.
( lashes for girlfriend) one presumes girlfriend was smart enough to get the lad to commit the act.
Well done the Echo for printing this story with lots of pictures and perhaps we could have have many more with pictures of criminals so that the community can identify offenders.
Without the negative social stigma attched to criminalty we will continue to be plagued by this boy, his family and their ilk.”
by Anon, Exeter
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 12:00AM
“What a cheek this family have...
This guy has the audacity to go to the press and then stand there while they take a photo of his smug face with his ipod earphones sticking out the top of his jumper!
Maybe he should sell his ipod and pay the fine! Pathetic!!”