The man, known as Sammy, or Bensaid, is afflicted with an extreme case of kleptomania that has become problematic for shopkeepers in the area, many of whom confirm that they've been targeted by the shoplifter.
The thief doesn't discriminate, however.
When two schoolchildren left their knapsacks on the ground outside a store, Sammy was there to take the bags, as video surveillance from the store clearly demonstrates.
Another time the thief was photographed climbing onto a balcony to steal bicycles. He later insisted that he was trying to steal cans from the balcony.
The man's parents, who own a business in a strip mall on the same street, are said to be at a loss as to what to do with their son, who is believed to have received psychiatric treatment for his behaviour.
One tale has it that the man's kleptomaniac impulses are so strong that he once took several pairs of shoes taken off by worshipers from the mosque he's associated with. That story, however, has not been confirmed.
Management from at least five stores on Dollard have confirmed that the man has been caught thieving from their establishments but only two stated that they filed police complaints.One pharmacy had so much trouble with the man's thieving ways that they made him wait outside for his prescription, a manager said in an interview.
Other merchants affected by the man cite that they are too busy to deal with the added complication of making official complaints.
Not all despise the poor man, however, as one food establishment has taken pity on him, offering him occasional free meals.
Treatment for kleptomania generally involves talk therapy and occasionally medication. According to one estimate about 66% to 80% of kleptomaniacs are women. In past years many Montreal shoplifters meet regularly for group therapy sessions on Decarie in NDG but it's not clear whether those still take place.
We at Coolopolis sincerely hope that this man finds a way to work through his affliction and allow others to be at peace with their belongings.
