Editor:
Hi, I'm here to tell you about my experience I had with shoplifting. I had gone to the mall with a friend and was stealing. I was justifiably caught doing so. I am now banned from Boitanio Mall for a year, and I am not allowed to be on its property, which includes walking through their parking lot.
I had to go through Restorative Justice to decide what my consequences were. I now have to do 20 hours of community service at the Salvation Army.
I should not have stolen anything and I knew it was wrong and disrespectful. I realize my consequences and they do affect me and I understand the reasoning. I will respect my ban against entering Boitanio Mall or on the property.
What I did was wrong, although I still did it. But I feel now I would never make this choice again. I look forward to the day I can shop responsibly at your location.
Name withheld by request.
Editor’s note: This letter was written by a participant of the Restorative Justice program. The writer’s name has been withheld because it is a condition of writing and publishing the letter.
The Tribune doesn’t typically run unsigned letters to the editor but makes a special exception for the program.