A selfish and disappointing act

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford. PHOTO / File

After having my faith in the goodness of others well and truly restored earlier this week, it came crashing down to earth upon hearing of the plight of Bliss Nails and Spa manager Anna Tran.

Ms Tran had $1400, her bank cards, driver's licence and passport stolen on Boxing Day, allegedly by an associate of two of the Napier salon's customers.

What a stark contrast in behaviour to the two young men, Shamus Paramore and Zahn Te Ngaru-Mewburn, I championed in yesterday's editorial.

Cousins Shamus and Zahn stopped a thief at a local bike park before retrieving a stolen phone and returning it to its owner.

The incident at Bliss Nails and Spa occurred on Tuesday afternoon, just after Ms Tran and another staff member had done two of the girls' nails.

The girls paid $100 before their friend allegedly took off with Ms Tran's possessions, which were on the front counter.

What makes the situation even more difficult for Ms Tran is that she requires her passport to obtain a Japanese visa before flying out to visit her family on February 1.

Her plans may now have to be cancelled.

It makes one wonder what goes through these opportunists' minds.
What makes them feel justified in stealing another person's possessions.

Hopefully by this story being brought to the attention of the public, the allegedly thief, who not only stole money and personal documents but also a woman's chance to visit her family, will take a moment to reflect on just how much damage they've done.

How their actions have a ripple effect beyond their victim, but to their families and wider community.

Sadly I fear learning the full extent of their actions will do very little to change the behaviour of the individual in question.