Confessions of a Kleptomaniac

“I don’t mind stealing. It’s adventurous. I have picked up apparel from Adidas and Wills Lifestyle and walked out without being noticed”

I am a rich and intelligent 22-year-old studying engineering. But I don’t like to pay for things. I often subsist on a limited budget and yet eat like a glutton by stealing groceries from fine supermarkets. I don’t mind stealing. It’s adventurous. I have picked up apparel from Adidas and Wills Lifestyle and walked out without even being noticed; it’s sheer pleasure wearing it now. I often also pick up perfumes like Swiss Army, Polo Sport and Azzaro Chrome from Fragrance Lounge in various malls.

Places like Big Bazaar and Spencer’s in Delhi have the most blind spots. Groceries never trigger alarms and I usually keep my criminal activities limited to the grocery sections. But I have done a few things with alarm systems; there is a technique to it. There are some stores in which alarms go off occasionally and the guards and employees get tired of it. These places are safer to filch from. If the alarm does go off after you’ve picked something, play it cool. Just look really puzzled.

When I see something I like, I don’t know what happens to me. I have this sudden urge and my fingers start pulling me. It’s a great rush. At 22, I understand that there is a risk of getting caught, but it’s irresistible. If I can’t take what I want, I get depressed and anxious. Luckily I have never been caught so far.

Shame follows excitement. My heart beats fast and hard till I get out of the shop. I feel euphoric. Then I feel ashamed. I promise myself I won’t do it again. But soon I get the urge again.

Products feel best when free. Be it food, groceries, toiletries or clothes. They are at their best when free. It’s mind-blowing to use things that come without money. But I prefer sticking to groceries as they are safer to pick, unless and until I have my eye on something that is just unavoidable. It’s like you save your resources and still get to enjoy wholesome food.

As told to Antara Chatterjee

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