A special case of robbing where a victim is forgetful of something and the thief disguises their crime by playing on the victim’s forgetfulness.
By reminding the victim of something that they forgot* at a time where they cannot retrieve it, it allows enough time for them to forget about it again, leaving the thief with the goods.
It’s a type of physical gaslighting that makes the aggressor appear completely innocent (despite their intent) and the victim seem as though they are irresponsible with their items**.
*The victim did not forget anything. They were robbed and convinced otherwise. This is important for the ruse to work.
**This happens with hoodies a lot.
By reminding the victim of something that they forgot* at a time where they cannot retrieve it, it allows enough time for them to forget about it again, leaving the thief with the goods.
It’s a type of physical gaslighting that makes the aggressor appear completely innocent (despite their intent) and the victim seem as though they are irresponsible with their items**.
*The victim did not forget anything. They were robbed and convinced otherwise. This is important for the ruse to work.
**This happens with hoodies a lot.
Jessica took Terry’s sunglasses. Terry was told that his sunglasses were left at Jessica’s apartment after a beach trip even though he always leaves them in his car. Jessica reminded Terry on three separate occasions that he left his stuff there only while he was at work or with friends knowing he’ll forget. Jessica finally stopped reminding him and kept his glasses. Jessica used passive thievery.
Get the Passive Thieverymug. 