DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbor confided in me that her son is a shoplifter.
Apparently, he has been ripping off stores in our local mall for the past year with some regularity. She sounded almost proud of him because she says he has been so clever that he hasn't gotten caught. I am appalled. What's more, I have a friend who owns a store in the mall. I want to warn her about this young man.
At the same time, I know my neighbor told me about this in confidence. Do you think I should tell my friend? Should I tell the police? What should I do? -- Beware Sticky Fingers, Atlanta
DEAR BEWARE STICKY FINGERS: You are in an awkward situation. Because you have not witnessed the shoplifting yourself, you actually would be of little help in telling the police. You can, however, be of support to your friend who owns the store. Tell her about the young man and show her a picture of him if you can. At least you can give her the heads-up that she should be on high alert if he enters her store. Otherwise, leave it alone.