Police Officer Buys Shirt And Tie For Shoplifter Who Needed An Outfit For A Job Interview

August 9, 2017

A shoplifter in Toronto who was caught stealing an outfit for a job interview was given a second chance by the police officer who came to arrest him.

Niran Jeyanesan said that he and his partner were called to a Walmart for a reported theft. When they arrived, he said the loss prevention officer at the store had apprehended an 18-year-old man for stealing a dress shirt, tie and socks.

After speaking to the shoplifter, Jeyanesan said he discovered that the young man needed the outfit for an upcoming job interview.

"This young person has been facing his own difficulties in life and he was looking to straighten out all that by providing for his family and trying to get a job,” Jeyanesan told CP24.

After releasing the shoplifter without charge, Jeyanesan purchased the shirt and tie and gave the clothing to the man.

"This individual didn't have any resources," he said. "He wanted to go get that job. That was in his mind. I think he truly made a mistake."

Jeyanesan's staff sergeant Paul Bois praised his actions.

"Arresting him wouldn't have been in the best interests of anyone," he told the BBC.

"I reacted very positively to the news; all issues were resolved by the action the officer took. It reiterates our goal of being positive role models in the community."