Stealing is a crime. A crime that does not only effect you, but everyone around you deciding to obtain something, by way of the "5 finger discount" is a stupid decision know one should think twice about. Stealing goes against personal and religious beliefs. Stealing betrays trust. Stealing can play a factor in your death. Stealing can also escalate into bigger crimes. Every thief gets caught some day; it's a proven fact.  
             I never thought that I would ever come in contact with law enforcement, until this happrned. My case is a unique one, but not unheard of. Even though I was not the person that was stealing; however. I was with someone who did decide to steal. which made me an accomplice. This is a prime example of guilty by association; just because I was there with the person, I could still have been charged with the crime; which was a felony offense. When my friend decided to steal he did not take into account, that I also could be held responsible for his wrong doings. My friend decided to make a dumb decision and I got wrapped up in it. I did not understand the seriousness of the incident until officer Johnson explained it in more details to me. He stated that those motorized carts that they have at Wal-mart to assist the elderly and handicapped are worth up to "4000 dollars", making what seemed to me a petty crime; turn into a major felony. When I got a chance to sit down, and analyze the whole incident. I realize that you, officer Johnson; did my friend and I a favor. So I would like to personally show my appreciation and gratitude to you Officer Johnson. You did not have to let us off the hook, you could have easily arrested and convicted us of gran theft. A felony offense! So I would like to thank you for that, thank you for giving me another chance.  
             Stealing is not a one time crime. It's a continuous one, therefore if you steal once; you WILL steal again. Petty theft can turn into grand theft. Once a thie...