What to do about the stealing?

shipmom · Newbie

About three months ago my wife (who is actually shipmom - I'm using the same account) and I found out our 20-year-old son and some of his friends have been using crack. We've gone through the whole spectrum of emotions, from fearing for his life too being the one who wants to take his life.

Over time my wife has found many of her items, such as an IPOD, DVDs and VCRs, etc, have been stole by our son. We confronted him about it and yet the stealing continues. Interestingly, as far as I can tell, he has not taken anything of mine.

I have strongly suggested that we make him leave the house in the morning when we leave for work (he’s not working) and not allow him in the house when we’re not home. This may not stop him from stealing while we are asleep, but I can’t stay awake 24/7. Our son’s response to my idea was that he’ll just leave for good. While I’d be willing to call him on it, my wife freaked out and made me out to be the bad guy.

I’m sure this is a common problem and was wondering how others have handled the situation.

Admin · Site Admin

May I suggest you to visit all pawn shops in the area, make sure you have your son picture, or even better copy of driver license, explain your situation and ask not to buy anything from your son, btw he is under 21 and in some states that illegal to pawn.
Tag all your valuables.
Have you considered treatment for your son?

shipmom · Newbie

Thanks for the suggestions. He is 20 years old and kind of completed a five-week intensive out-patient program at Kennedy Hospital in our town. The program was from 9 to noon three days per week. I say “kind of,” because he went to slightly more than half of the 15 session days. He seemed to have mostly good days and tested negative for crack (+ for pot) during the last couple of weeks of the program. It was only about a week after the program that he was back hanging out with the same gang that uses and he was using and stealing again. He is back in the same 15 week program and we are looking into an in-patient program. We hear there are some good program in Florida and any suggestion are greatly appreciated. Also, if this is posted in the wrong forum and should have been posted in the children’s forum, please move it over. Thanks again.