My DD's friend is a kleptomaniac!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2007
My DD's friend is a kleptomaniac!!
3
Mon, 08-20-2007 - 1:16pm

I hope someone can help! My almost 16 year old DD has a new group of friends and I have noticed some of my things missing. At first I thought I just misplaced a bracelet of mine but then some perfume bottles went missing. My husband and I tried to pin point whom was at the house and when and we came to the conclusion it had to be 1 of 2 possibilities. My daughter rejects the idea that it may be one of her friends. Since the perfume, 2 weeks passed and last week I had a box of a few pieces of jewelery taken from my room. This time we were able to narrow it down to just one possiblity. Again my daughter rejects the idea.

This is where I need help, advice, a shoulder to cry on, ANYTHING!! I am very upset about someone taking my things, but more upset that my DD has a so-called "friend" that would do this! What are my options, if I confront the "friend" she will most likely deny it and possibly create a living hell for my DD, (myspace can be a vicious weapon!) or do I try to set a trap? Please, any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Cheryl

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2005
Mon, 08-20-2007 - 1:33pm

Is there anything missing of serious value?

If not, if it's just costume jewelry and/or inexpensive cologne, put a lock on your bedroom door.

You're not saying anything to DD or her friends, and her friends have no reason to make life a living hell for her...many parents put locks on their bedroom doors because they don't want their own kids going in there.

If DD's friend is the klepto, she'll never challenge why the door is locked - she'll KNOW. If she's not, and she asks, DD can simply say "I don't know - they just decided to lock it."

If the missing items are seriously valuable, call the police...the fear of getting arrested may bring out the truth.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2007
Mon, 08-20-2007 - 1:52pm

Thank you mamarose! The value is much more sentimental the $$$ (about $800 in total) Do you think I should call the police and ask them what actions they would take? My fear is that she would continue to deny it. I will start locking my door, that's a good point you made about her "knowing why it's locked" I just didn't know if I need to "prove" to my daughter that her friend is a thief?

Your response has already made me feel better. Thank you.

Avatar for weberdns0
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-25-2000
Tue, 08-21-2007 - 2:08pm
$800 is a lot of missing stuff.