Shop owner praised for response to thief who tried to do runner not knowing shop was locked

People are flooding to social media in praise of a shopkeeper's reaction to calls he should have been harsher on a thief.

Yesterday, Sunday 4 December, a TikTok video went viral of an attempted theft at a store in Dewsbury.

The video reveals a young male walking into Phone Market and asking to see two different mobile devices, before attempting to run out of the shop with little success.

People have flooded to social media in surprise and support of the shopkeeper's reaction to the attempted theft, some even calling for a harsher punishment for them.

The shop has since responded to the social media comments.

The young man who attempts to steal the phones 'was in for a surprise' after he ran to the front door of the shop to find it locked.

Realising he hadn't thought 'his escape route through properly,' he can be seen walking back to the counter, handing over the devices he attempted to steal and telling the shopkeeper his 'mate outside was forcing' him to do it.

The shopkeeper and another worker remain completely still and calm during the incident, and despite noting how they should be calling the police on the man, ultimately release the door and let him walk free.

The video was uploaded to TikTok by a user named Talha who questioned: "Should he get a proper punishment or is the embarrassment enough?"

Users were quick to jump to the post to weigh in on whether or not the thief was reprimanded enough for his actions.

One said: "U should have called the police because next time he could have a weapon and takes someone life, a child your daughter their mother or father their son."

"A young lad on the wrong path no doubt it won't end good for him ... knowledge is power grab a trade or apprenticeship," another sympathised.

However, a third resolved: "They should broke every bone on his body and teach him a lesson for rest of his life and other low life as well."

The shopkeeper has since taken to social media via the market's Instagram page to respond.

The post reads: "Many of you may have come across a video of an attempted theft at our store earlier today.

"As much as we do not condone theft, we would like to reach out to this particular individual. Times are difficult for many of us at the moment, so if you are struggling to put food on the table, please come visit us in store to see how we can help.

"To those on social media asking why we did not ‘beat him up’, violence is not the answer. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said 'Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you' - Hadith."

The shop has received an outpouring of praise for its understanding response.

One user wrote: "To be at a stage where you forgive those who wrong you is such a blessing. I only hope I can be this forgiving one day."

"May allah reward these brothers immensely. We should all aspire to have the attitude they have. Mashallah," another commented.

A third said: "Compassion and respect. More powerful than violence."

A final resolved: "Your approach to this situation speak volumes about your character and your humanity. May god bless you!"