‘National Steal Something Day’ puts merchants on alert

--Deepa Bharath

South Coast Plaza merchants were warned this year about a strange

tradition: “National Steal Something Day.”

The day was started last year by a few self-described “culture

jammers” in Montreal as a punch in the face to “yuppies.” They dubbed the

last Friday in November as “National Steal Something Day.”

The group’s Web site encourages people to “get some friends together

and go on a shoplifting spree at the local chain supermarket or upscale

mall.”

It asks backers to “keep what you can use and give away everything

else in the spirit of mutual aid.”

Eddie Slorimon, an employee at Ben Bridge Jewelers in South Coast

Plaza for seven years, said the store got a warning from its corporate

headquarters.

“It’s a crazy idea,” he said. “And it’s going to get them in jail.”

Slorimon said he and other store employees are being careful, as

usual.

“We’re just keeping an eye out,” he said. “So far, it’s been pretty

good. No problems.”