Saying sorry is a sign of the times

October 02, 2018 - 08:00

You might have heard stories in which guilty thieves wrote an apology note to the owners. Have you heard an opposite story?

Time and time again after getting caught, thieves often write out a letter of apology to say sorry for their crimes and beg for forgiveness.

But have you heard an opposite story?

This actually happened in the Sông Xoài Commune in Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province’s Phú Mỹ District.

Over the past month, burglars broke into pomelo gardens in the locality and took away sacks of fruits.

Trần Thị Hạnh, a local farmer said they didn’t only stole fruits ready for harvest but also picked up the younger ones.

In a bid to beat the burglar, residents have improved lighting and introduced guard dogs, but still the fruit gets pinched.  

No it seems local farmer Huỳnh Kháng may have found a solution, and it’s all about being polite.

He has hung cardboard signs telling would-be thieves: “I am sorry for offending you.”

And guess what? It seems to be working. Since the signs were put in place, the amount of fruit taken? Zero.

Now other farmers are taking a leaf out of his book and doing the same and so far so good.

The burglary cases are still under investigation by police. — VNS

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