Singapore – A poster from a Yishun minimart chiding parents for tagging their child along while they stole groceries has gone viral online.
A case of shoplifting at ACE Mart at Yishun Ring Road was brought to public attention through a poster giving the suspects some parental advice.
A copy of the poster was shared by Instagram page sgfollowsall on Friday (Sept 17).
“Dear neighbouring residents, kindly refrain from bringing your child along when stealing groceries. We do not wish to see your child learn the wrong things growing up,” ACE Mart’s management team said.
“Please do not be like the couple in the photos below,” the notice added.
Included was a contact number in case the individuals highlighted in the photos would like the poster removed.
With over 10,300 likes, the post garnered respect from the online community as the shop’s owner managed to chide the couple for their actions and provided parenting advice at the same time.
“The manager is a legend,” added Instagram user aikyletan.
A spokesperson from ACE Mart revealed to Chinese newspaper Lianhe Zaobao that the woman in the photos had been caught on camera shoplifting multiple times and would bring her daughter along.
On two occasions, they were accompanied by a tall, thin man.
Because the shop is open 24/7, the couple would enter early morning; their last appearance was on Aug 29.
The man tried distracting ACE Mart’s staff while the woman was spotted placing a laundry detergent bottle outside the shop.
The couple then bought a packet of instant noodles before leaving.
Once outside, they returned to claim the laundry detergent.
It was reported that most of the stolen items were daily necessities.
Although the shop found their behaviour unacceptable, the child’s understanding of what was going on during a heist was a bigger concern.
The shop spokesperson told Lianhe Zaobao that they posted the notice to prohibit the couple from bringing the child along.
The shop would also not pursue the issue of theft if the family was really facing financial difficulties./TISG
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