How to Deal With a Best Friend Who Steals

So, your best friend has let you in on her secret for getting new clothes, accessories, compact discs and other trinkets for free: she steals them. Deal with this revelation in a way that prevents her habit from escalating or gets her the help she needs for a problem that's already serious.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Urge your friend to talk to a teacher, guidance counselor, principal or parent if her stealing has become an obsession. If she constantly arrives at school with new possessions that you know she didn't buy, it's time to intervene.
2. Encourage her to return something that she's stolen from someone you know. Provide options that will allow her give it back with no questions asked, such as leaving it on a doorstep or turning it into the school office.
3. Stand your ground if she asks you to go on a shoplifting spree with her. Tell her you'd rather earn or save the money to buy the items you want. Take the opportunity to discuss the seriousness of her actions and explain the possible consequences of stealing, such as arrest, theft charges or public embarrassment.
4. Ask your parents for advice if your best friend has stolen something from you, particularly if it's something irreplaceable, sentimental or valuable. Although you may not want to risk your friendship, consider how strained her state of mind must be if she's stealing from someone she cares for so much.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid shopping with your best friend if she continually shoplifts in your presence. Even if you don't steal, you'll be implicated and potentially face consequences if you're with her when she's caught.