"Stealing Is Wrong, But"…Outpouring of Support for Single Mother Who Stole Baby Formula and Diapers

Over 100 Inquiries About Individual and Group Sponsorships Flood In
Unmarried Mothers Reluctant to Seek Help... Exploring Support Measures

The story of a single mother in her 40s who stole baby formula and diapers for her newborn at a large supermarket due to financial difficulties has recently come to light, prompting a flood of offers from people wanting to help her.

According to a Yonhap News report on the 2nd, inquiries from individuals and organizations expressing their desire to assist the single mother, identified as Ms. A in her 40s, have been pouring in to the Banggok Gwanseol Administrative Welfare Center and Wonju Police Station in Wonju City. A representative from the welfare center said, "We have been receiving calls about sponsorships all day long," adding, "We have received over 100 calls so far."

Ms. A’s story was revealed through media reports on the same morning. She was caught stealing items at a large supermarket in Gwanseol-dong, Wonju City, Gangwon Province, on March 23. At the time, Ms. A attempted to leave the store without paying for approximately 170,000 won worth of groceries, baby formula, and diapers, but was caught by a suspicious security guard.

On March 23rd, a single mother in her 40s was caught stealing baby formula at a supermarket in Wonju, Gangwon Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]

When the police arrived, she said, "My newborn baby, who just left the postpartum care center, hadn’t eaten for 10 hours," and "I had no money at all, so even though I knew it was wrong, I stole the formula and other items." Initially skeptical, the police accompanied Ms. A to her one-room apartment, where they found a crying two-month-old infant. It was discovered that Ms. A was raising the baby alone and living solely on childcare allowances provided by the local government of her registered address. Additionally, she had previously committed theft twice, receiving fines each time, and was wanted due to unpaid fines stemming from financial hardship.

Officer Go Tak-min (34) of the Chiak Police Substation, who responded to the scene, purchased baby formula out of his own pocket and gave it to Ms. A. Officer Go, who is also a father to a child born in December last year, was deeply moved by the situation. He told Yonhap News, "She admitted her wrongdoing and said she did it because she was struggling, which broke my heart," adding, "Despite her difficult circumstances, she seemed to have acted out of responsibility for her child, which was heartbreaking." He continued, "Even if she had to go for police questioning, I thought the baby’s meal had to be taken care of first, so I gave her the formula."

The Wonju Police Station sent Ms. A to prosecution without detention on theft charges at the end of March. During the investigation, Ms. A reportedly stated, "I was afraid something might happen to my baby, who was born prematurely and had been in an incubator." The police also provided information about support policies that allow for installment payments of fines and continued to assist her. A week after the incident, Ms. A expressed her gratitude to Officer Go, saying, "I was too overwhelmed at the time to thank you properly," and "Thanks to you, I received various kinds of help. I am truly grateful."

Upon learning about Ms. A’s story and the police’s kindness, citizens said, "As a fellow single mother, my heart aches and I couldn’t just pass by. I want to donate unused baby supplies," "I want to help even with a small amount," and "Although theft is wrong, the story is heartbreaking, so I want to offer some help." However, Ms. A reportedly feels overwhelmed by the sudden attention and is reluctant to accept assistance.

Since Ms. A is registered in another area, it is difficult for Wonju City to provide direct support, but the city is exploring other ways for Ms. A and her baby to receive aid.