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What if you suspected your room mate of stealing?
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KeriVit
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Sep 12, 2008, 02:38 PM
 
So, I'm cleaning up my room today and I move the "change jug". It feels very light. I've been saving it for like 2 or 3 years- using the quarters occasionally. Well, the change is about an inch high. I'm sure it was at last 4" high.

This may be unrelated, but the other day- I left for an out of town interview in the morning. I locked the door but not the bolt. When I came home a few hours later- the bolt was locked. I couldn't get the key to work. So I rang the bell. No answer. I finally got the key to work. Dude, doesn't even come out of his room.

So, today, I decide to investigate. Apparently he's also stealing food and hiding the evidence in his room. WTF? Just ask! BTW, he's currently pullin in better money than we are- but blows it all.

I'm not sure what to do. We need his $300 contribution, but not if we're losin money.
     
d4nth3m4n
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Sep 12, 2008, 03:07 PM
 
don't you live in a winnebago? can't you just drive away and ditch them?
     
Laminar
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Sep 12, 2008, 03:11 PM
 
There are several programs that can turn a MacBook's camera into a motion detecting security camera, if you have one of those.
     
reader50
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Sep 12, 2008, 03:11 PM
 
You can't make him honest - he'll remain the way he's decided to be. Talking to him will not magically install a sense of honor.

Document everything, with pictures / dates / times. File a police report for anything that seems worth it. Find another roommate to take his place.
     
Dakar V
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Sep 12, 2008, 03:19 PM
 
Yeah, if you can pull off some mac surveillance do it. I don't think anything good will come of a confrontation unless you have concrete evidence –– though you're kinda screwed –– if you confront him with evidence I don't see how he wouldn't move out.

I'd start hunting for a new roommate.
( Last edited by Dakar V; Sep 12, 2008 at 03:37 PM. Reason: GRAMMAR BAD)
     
KeriVit  (op)
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Sep 12, 2008, 03:35 PM
 
No, I moved out of the Winnebago almost 2 years ago. It's in my backyard though.
Anyway...
I'd hate to accuse him if it wasn't true. But, no one else has even been in the house. I wish I could find some proof. Not to mention, if he did this- I can't understand it. We have done everything to help this guy though a bad time. How can someone steal from people that are barely getting by. That's just... sigh
     
osiris
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Sep 12, 2008, 03:47 PM
 
You better make darn sure he did this before taking action. I feel bad for your situation, I really do.

I think Dakar has it right. If you can catch him in action, you have the upper hand. Either way, I'd kick him out, he sounds like a loser but not even the nice kind who's good for entertainment.
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Rumor
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Sep 12, 2008, 04:00 PM
 
http://www.mupromo.com/

Part of that bundle is a program called Periscope.

Periscope is the next generation of web cam software that lets you use your iSight to capture activity in front of your Mac's camera and then save or share that image simply and automatically.

Within seconds, you can configure Periscope to monitor a room for motion, sound or on a timer. Periscope will send real-time images to your e-mail, .Mac web page, or FTP site, and can upload to Flickr!

Put it this way, the next time your mini-fridge is raided by a roommate pleading innocence... You got the dirt.

'scope your home when you're out of town.
'scope for intruders with motion detection.
'scope the kids when you're at the office.
'scope a time-lapse movie of your workday.
'scope for security.
'scope for fun!
I like my water with hops, malt, hops, yeast, and hops.
     
@pplejaxkz
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Sep 12, 2008, 04:12 PM
 
I agree with Dakar in finding a new roommate. And also with everyone else when it comes to evidence. If you have nothing to prove then it's going to come off as a false accusation. But if there is evidence you have a case. I feel bad for you, and wish you good luck.
     
KeriVit  (op)
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Sep 12, 2008, 04:12 PM
 
Originally Posted by osiris View Post
You better make darn sure he did this before taking action. I feel bad for your situation, I really do.

I think Dakar has it right. If you can catch him in action, you have the upper hand. Either way, I'd kick him out, he sounds like a loser but not even the nice kind who's good for entertainment.
After some thought, here's what I was thinking. While we were away a month ago (other half having surgery) He drove my car. How do I know? It had 49 miles on it, the seat was moved back, the mirrors were changed and his brand of cigarette was in my ashtray.

Then the other day, I was driving and a few miles down the road, I realized the parking brake was up. I NEVER use the parking brake.

So, what if we just say, "we're gonna have to ask you to move out. There have been some violations of trust lately that we just won't tolerate."
     
KeriVit  (op)
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Sep 12, 2008, 04:13 PM
 
Originally Posted by Rumor View Post
http://www.mupromo.com/

Part of that bundle is a program called Periscope.
interesting. The only laptop we have with a camera is a Macbook. I'll look into it.
     
osiris
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Sep 12, 2008, 04:23 PM
 
Originally Posted by KeriVit View Post
After some thought, here's what I was thinking. While we were away a month ago (other half having surgery) He drove my car. How do I know? It had 49 miles on it, the seat was moved back, the mirrors were changed and his brand of cigarette was in my ashtray.

Then the other day, I was driving and a few miles down the road, I realized the parking brake was up. I NEVER use the parking brake.

So, what if we just say, "we're gonna have to ask you to move out. There have been some violations of trust lately that we just won't tolerate."
Wow. 'Violation of trust' is putting it politely. I think you're doing the right thing, good luck on the confrontation.
"Faster, faster! 'Till the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death." - HST
     
Love Calm Quiet
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Sep 12, 2008, 04:25 PM
 
suggestion:
Make sure the Macbook is locked down
TOMBSTONE: "He's trashed his last preferences"
     
Dakar V
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Sep 12, 2008, 04:39 PM
 
Originally Posted by KeriVit View Post
After some thought, here's what I was thinking. While we were away a month ago (other half having surgery) He drove my car. How do I know? It had 49 miles on it, the seat was moved back, the mirrors were changed and his brand of cigarette was in my ashtray.
Wow, big balls and completely stupid.

Yeah, he's gotta go.
     
KeriVit  (op)
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Sep 12, 2008, 04:41 PM
 
Originally Posted by osiris View Post
Wow. 'Violation of trust' is putting it politely. I think you're doing the right thing, good luck on the confrontation.
I'm a bleeding heart.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 12, 2008, 08:16 PM
 
Keep bleedin', keep keep bleedin' love. Just ask him. If he's not a jerk, he'll tell the truth. If not, then bust a cap.
     
brassplayersrock²
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Sep 12, 2008, 08:20 PM
 
Suggesting that he shoot the guy is a bit extreme, don'tcha think?
     
Laminar
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Sep 12, 2008, 09:13 PM
 
Originally Posted by brassplayersrock² View Post
Suggesting that he shoot the guy is a bit extreme, don'tcha think?
imitchell is a gangsta from the deep south or "Dirty Dirty," as they like to call it. That's how things are done down there.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 12, 2008, 09:33 PM
 
Originally Posted by Laminar View Post
imitchell is a gangsta from the deep south or "Dirty Dirty," as they like to call it. That's how things are done down there.



     
Ratm
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Sep 13, 2008, 12:58 AM
 
Originally Posted by KeriVit View Post
No, I moved out of the Winnebago almost 2 years ago. It's in my backyard though.
Anyway...
I'd hate to accuse him if it wasn't true. But, no one else has even been in the house. I wish I could find some proof. Not to mention, if he did this- I can't understand it. We have done everything to help this guy though a bad time. How can someone steal from people that are barely getting by. That's just... sigh
He took money, food, your car. And you are still deciding on what to do? If the the first thing I noticed was food I would have talked with him and said if this **** happens again you're out. But if it was money or my car he's out automatically. He needs to PAY BACK THE MONEY AND FOOD!! AND GAS!! The change is kind of hard to give an exact number... everyone deserves a second chance but he's taken three already.

Enough talk....take pictures of the food in his room and confront him on the money. I'd post up an ad searching for a new roommate before I asked him to move out. Get a down payment for next months rent from the new roomie and you're all set. The money/food is gone nothing you can do about that now but what you can do is prevent this asshole from continuing to steal.

He's a bad person and there is nothing else you need to talk about or understand. He'll never cop to it so let it go. And forget about how many inches of change it was, put that sucker on the scale and weigh it out. But most of all lock your door with both locks from now on.

He doesn't respect you and doesn't give two shits what happens to you so you shouldn't worry about him.
( Last edited by Ratm; Sep 13, 2008 at 01:17 AM. )
     
brassplayersrock²
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Sep 13, 2008, 01:24 AM
 
Also, if he has a key to your place, change every single lock as soon as he's gone. Even inside ones. If he stole your money and food, he might have stolen a set of spare keys.
     
zombie punk
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Sep 13, 2008, 03:53 AM
 
Place a bag over his head, tie his hands behind his back, break his shins, then beat him till he confesses. When he confesses, beat him until you think he has learned his lesson, then tell him to go to his room.
     
Atomic Rooster
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Sep 13, 2008, 08:16 AM
 
You live in the U.S.?

This is the reason anyone can buy an assault rifle.
     
alligator
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Sep 13, 2008, 10:00 AM
 
I had a roommate who stole from me. Eventually I cleaned out my place of anything valuable, and he got the picture. Suddenly he decided to replace some of the stuff he had taken, and it was sitting on my bed when I returned one day. It made for an awkward friendship after that.
     
KeriVit  (op)
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Sep 13, 2008, 12:18 PM
 
Originally Posted by zombie punk View Post
Place a bag over his head, tie his hands behind his back, break his shins, then beat him till he confesses. When he confesses, beat him until you think he has learned his lesson, then tell him to go to his room.
I like this suggestion.
     
KeriVit  (op)
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Sep 13, 2008, 02:15 PM
 
Well, we confronted him with EVERYTHING. Naturally, he denied it. But, basically said he doesn't remember doing anything, but admits it's possible. Well, he did admit he took the car to work one day. We told him he has a problem with lying and needs counselling, we don't trust him and don't believe him. He was humble. Admitted he lies and understands.

He paid his rent and a hundred extra to cover what he "might" have taken. He's still here. The ultimatum is one lie, one breach of trust and he's out.

He was burning up with fever through the whole conversation, so he's been in bed ever since. He's humiliated, quiet and apologetic.

I know most of you are gonna disagree with this arrangement. So, let the lambasting begin.
     
Timo
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Sep 13, 2008, 02:36 PM
 
^eh -- you're the one on the ground, calling it like you see it. Tough to really disagree with
     
zombie punk
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Sep 13, 2008, 05:38 PM
 
Originally Posted by KeriVit View Post
He's humiliated, quiet and apologetic.
My suggestion would also have achieved this outcome, btw.
     
brassplayersrock²
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Sep 13, 2008, 05:41 PM
 
.... and a lawsuit.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 13, 2008, 05:46 PM
 
Well, maybe he'll shape up without a bunch of cap bustin
     
moonmonkey
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Sep 13, 2008, 07:28 PM
 
Yes, there is no need to breaks his hats.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 13, 2008, 08:11 PM
 
I would hate it if somebody breaks my hats.
     
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Sep 13, 2008, 09:03 PM
 
You did good KeriVit. But...

You need to carry through with this. Do NOT be weak!
Originally Posted by KeriVit View Post
The ultimatum is one lie, one breach of trust and he's out.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 13, 2008, 09:04 PM
 
KeriVit does not strike me as someone who is weak, especially weak willed.
     
KeriVit  (op)
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Sep 14, 2008, 01:46 PM
 
He hasn't come out of his room in 2 days. Except to pee.
     
zombie punk
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Sep 14, 2008, 02:13 PM
 
Originally Posted by KeriVit View Post
He hasn't come out of his room in 2 days. Except to pee.
I'd just like to point out that my suggestion would also have achieved this outcome as well.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 14, 2008, 02:43 PM
 
Yeah, you've said it like a quadrillion times.
     
brassplayersrock²
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Sep 14, 2008, 02:50 PM
 
Well said kiddo.
     
zombie punk
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Sep 14, 2008, 02:56 PM
 
Originally Posted by imitchellg5 View Post
Yeah, you've said it like a quadrillion times.
Yes, two is a little like a quadrillion, in that they are both numbers, I suppose....
     
brassplayersrock²
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Sep 14, 2008, 02:57 PM
 
Congrats on getting higher then 1.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 14, 2008, 03:11 PM
 
Originally Posted by zombie punk View Post
Yes, two is a little like a quadrillion, in that they are both numbers, I suppose....
Two is a quadrillion times too many. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL PWND1!1
     
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Sep 14, 2008, 04:11 PM
 
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 14, 2008, 04:42 PM
 
Wonder where I got this?
     
seanc
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Sep 14, 2008, 04:57 PM
 
     
Laminar
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Sep 14, 2008, 05:03 PM
 
But it's not closed yet??
     
seanc
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Sep 14, 2008, 05:16 PM
 
It's not supposed to be.

That was a reminder to keep on topic. Enough cat pictures.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 14, 2008, 05:40 PM
 
Whoa I just noticed that the crosshairs move. Sweet action!
     
brassplayersrock²
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Sep 14, 2008, 05:47 PM
 
Must be from the gun that you recommended the OP use on his roommate.
     
imitchellg5
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Sep 14, 2008, 06:21 PM
 
Good call. Prolly right.
     
   
 
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