From: "Bill Oldham" <billo@kew.hotkey.net.au>
To: <balloon@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Need help in handling petty theft.
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 21:41:44 +1000

Hello list,
I need help in trying to figure out how to handle something that happened
today at a shopping centre.

I was selling balloon creations at a local shopping centre when a young (14
or 15 years old) boy took a balloon out of the bag that hangs on the side of
my table and walked off with it.

This action made me so stroppy that I chased him for about 10 shops before
giving up. He was much faster and fitter than I am.

Ten minutes later he comes walking by again. His friend has twisted the
balloon into a hat. The attitude was kind of like a cat teasing a dog
attached to a chain. They wanted me to look like an idiot again by chasing
them.

My action was to notify the shopping centre security people who replied,
"there is nothing we can do. Handle it yourself."

If I could get either of the boys some where alone, I would feel like
pounding them into a pulp. But I realize that this is no solution.

I am really just letting off a bit of steam here.

Any suggestions from list members of how to handle this would be
appreciated.

regards,
Bill Oldham from Magical Bill's Balloonacy in Melbourne, Victoria
5 Raynes Street
Balwyn, Victoria
Australia  3103

We use the therapy of laughter to make people happier.