Mar 3 • 10:29 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

VIDEO: man steals cell phone from shop employee, returns minutes later, gives it back and pays R$ 200 claiming 'loan'

A man was caught on security cameras stealing a cell phone from a convenience store employee in Itápolis, Brazil, but returned it shortly after with R$ 200, claiming it was a loan for accessing bank details.

A man in Itápolis, São Paulo, was caught stealing a cell phone from a convenience store employee during the day. The theft occurred around 11:18 AM, as security camera footage shows him taking the phone and leaving. Surprisingly, about 20 minutes later, the man returned to the store, not only bringing back the stolen phone but also a R$ 200 bill, which he claimed was for borrowing the device to obtain a necessary code for withdrawing money.

The video footage, which includes audio of their interaction, reveals the man attempting to justify his actions to the employee. He insisted that he didn’t steal the phone but merely 'borrowed' it for a temporary purpose, stating he needed the phone to access bank details for a withdrawal. Despite his explanations, the victim did not accept his rationale, highlighting the oddity of his claimed need and the questionable nature of his return.

This incident raises several implications regarding theft and personal accountability. It showcases a bizarre instance where the thief returned the stolen item and tried to appease the victim financially, which may be seen as an attempt to mitigate legal repercussions. Additionally, this scenario prompts discussions about the motivations behind such acts and the psychological factors at play when individuals engage in theft, despite having the opportunity to return and amend their actions afterward.

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