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Friday, August 04, 1995     Page: 12A

A single theft claims more than one victim, brings loss and inconvenience
   
On July 22, my purse was stolen out of my friend’s car, which was locked
and parked at the Dunmore McDonald’s parking lot while we were at workIf the
person who broke into the car and took my purse is reading this, please
consider this:
    You may think all you are doing is taking a purse for the money that might
be in it. But you stole more than money; you stole a part of my life.
   
Some things like my cards, drivers license and keys could be replaced at my
expense, but you also took from me things that could never be replaced like
pictures of my family, small tokens and gifts from loved ones.
   
You’ve never seen me, but I’m your victim — and not the only victim.
   
You victimized my friend by the simple fact you opened his car door and
went in without his permission.
   
Because you took my purse and everything in it including my keys, my
husband and son had to change the locks on our house and garage.
   
And because I had to take a day off from work to see about replacing my
Social Security card, drivers license, etc., my employer was short one worker.
   
If you still have my purse and its contents, please return them either to
the Dunmore Police or the Dunmore McDonald’s restaurant.
   
Somehow, I found it in my heart to forgive you for what you’ve done to me.
But please, think about the pain and inconvenience you cause the victim of
your theft. Remember the Eighth Commandment: Thou shalt not steal.
   
I will pray that you will turn your life around, that you will do as I do
and work for your money. Don’t steal it, earn it!
   
Jean Ayers
   
Wilkes-Barre