Q&A for How to Confront a Family Member Who Stole from You

Invite a professional counselor to help manage the conversation. Family theft situations can get really complicated, so it helps to have a professional involved.

Confront her. Tell her you know she stole from you and you want the items back, or she needs to replace them for you. If she refuses, talk to her parents or legal guardians and ask them for help retrieving your items. If all else fails, call the police. I understand you don't want to, because you love her, but she needs to learn that stealing is wrong, and this sometimes requires a harsh lesson.

This is extremely manipulative and disrespectful behavior. Tell him it needs to stop right now. If it doesn't, file for divorce.

Go to the police. It doesn't matter if there are no prints. You can still file a complaint and they will look into the issue. Move your valuables out of that lock box.

You showing regret is the first step. Be open and honest with your brother. Tell him you took these things and don't know why. This will lessen your feeling of guilt, and now that you've experienced what it feels like to have stolen something, you can change your behavior in the future.

If you have witnesses who will back you up, I would suggest you confront your mother. Do not state or ask outright if she stole it. Start by asking if she happened to be in your wallet, and if so why. If she denies it, try telling her that you already know that she 'has' been in there, and again ask why she would do it. Be polite but firm. This is your mother, but stealing is always inexcusable.

If confronting her doesn't work, try to hide it in a different spot. Get a new wallet and put your money in there and pretend it's in the other wallet. Be creative.

Put a tiny camera in the room where the antique items were and surveil the room to apply some pressure to her not to steal with a camera in the room. You can also try to confront her, ask her if she has seen the missing items or tell her that you know it is her that took them but make sure to be 100% sure it was her and you didn't accidentally misplace them.

Ask for it back and if she doesn't cooperate, involve others to help you get your items back.

Talk to her about it. Tell her you know what she's doing and that she needs to stop, because stealing is wrong and disrespectful. If it continues, tell a parent/guardian and have them talk to her.

Explain to him that you are aware that he has hidden certain pictures that could be made available to him, without the need to "steal" them, if he would just ask. Pictures can be reproduced, and often repaired when doing so. Let him know that you understand his wanting to stay in the home, but taking things without consent, then flying into a rage is very disturbing to your mother, and you will be forced to get a restraining order against his being there if he continues. The family courts have the necessary forms to request such an order, which will remove him from the home the very day he is served.

Let that be the last party or gathering that you invite her to, and make sure your friends and family know not to trust her at their parties either.

Mark your money in a non-obvious way so that you can sure it's yours when you confront her, or set up security cameras in the house around your wallets. A nanny-cam would be a good option.

Well, this is a tough case, as this is your mother. If I were you, I would confront her and ask for it back. if she denies ever stealing anything, try to talk her into it by saying things like, “What type of mother would you be if you taught me to steal?” or, “How would you like it if I stole your valuables?” If all fails, the best you can do is buy a new game disc.

You can try talking to them about this and see if you can find a way to resolve the issue that works for everyone, or you can hire a lawyer and take them to court.

Place a hidden camera in the room or rooms where they are cleaning and watch the footage when they leave. Or simply fire them and hire a new maid service.

Honestly - none. It really ought to be between your mother and brother. But you can point this out to her. One way would be to say, "Well, it looks like you've given a total of $2,000 to my brother, that's not really fair now is it? If one of your children gets money, the others should get that amount, too". Or face it head-on: "Look, Mom, my brother is tricking and guilting you into giving you money, what's up with that?"

It should probably be you. Make sure she did it. Ask her (subtly) why she would do it. It could be that she disapproves of him. If so, assure her that you like him and it ought to be your choice. Tell her there are better ways to say so. Tell her it was wrong and that you feel hurt and disrespected. Be confident. She is your mother and most likely thought it would only affect him. If she knows you are hurt, she will likely stop. If she doesn't, set a consequence.

It depends on many things - your age, the level of commitment in your relationship, and your safety are just a few. If you’re older than a teenager, are committed like marriage, and your mom & him are close, your boyfriend can talk to your mom alone. If you’re older than a teenager, committed, but your mom & boyfriend aren’t close - consider doing it together or by yourself. If you’re a teenager, your not super committed even if they are close, have that conversation alone. If you aren’t safe, seek out help from an objective party. And stay calm! Set your emotions to the side. Ask questions. Seek to understand. Come prepared with evidence if possible.