Shopkeeper ’emotional’ after receiving apology letter from schoolboy who stole from corner shop
Shopkeeper leaves ’emotionally’ after receiving heartfelt apology letter from schoolboy who stole ice cream from his corner shop
- Halil Kurt, 37, from North London, was choked up after reading the apology
- Read more: Woman left terrified after discovering a ‘creepy’ note from previous owner in her new charity shop jacket
A shop owner has revealed he was “emotional” after receiving a heartwarming letter from a schoolboy who stole from his shop.
Halil Kurt, 37, from North London, owns two convenience stores in Crouch End that are popular with students from surrounding schools.
Last month, the father-of-three was standing outside his Londis branch when he spotted a young man walking into Weston Off License.
The businessman then made his way to the shop four doors down to serve the student.
But when he arrived, the young man had already left – and next to the cash register was a note addressed to the store manager.
Halil Kurt (pictured), 37, of North London, was choked to death after reading the apology note from a schoolboy who shoplifted his shop
The anonymous young man was wracked with guilt over stealing ice cream bars from the store earlier and wanted to make it up to Halil.
The text read, “I am writing this letter to apologize for my shoplifting at your store.
“I want to take full responsibility for my actions and I am deeply sorry for any inconvenience I have caused.”
The anonymous writer then assured Halil that he had learned his lesson and would “never shoplift again.”
The note added: ‘I have enclosed £10 to compensate for my actions and the goods I have taken. I hope you can forgive me sincerely.’
After looking at the CCTV footage, Halil saw the student place the letter on the cash register – but wondered if he might have delivered it on behalf of someone else.
The store owner said, “It was quite emotional. It was something I didn’t expect.’
“All those students come to my store every day and I’m always friendly to them.”
Halil Kurt imagined him holding the note outside Weston Off License in Crouch End. He also has a Londis shop four doors down
The anonymous writer apologized for the mistake he made when he was ‘significantly younger’ and gave Halil £10 in compensation
“I sometimes give them candy when they don’t have money. I’m like an uncle, but they have to play by the rules.
“When people do something like that and they pay it back, I’m the happiest person in the world.”
David Winskill, a customer who lives nearby, added: ‘Obviously this has been on someone’s mind for decades.
“The sense of relief they feel is amazing. It has really brought a lot of joy to the people who have heard about this, because having a conscience still exists in many people.”