Two times, the only two I ever recall, Timothy did actually steal something that he shouldn’t have had, and KNEW it. They were both when he was young, and hadn’t been with us for ages and ages.
Once we’d bought some fresh croissants from the baker’s. There was one left, so we put it back in its paper bag, and put THAT in a clear plastic sandwich bag.
We went out, leaving the croissant on the dining table. When we got home, there was a soggy paper bag in shreds on the floor of the living room, and croissant crumbs all over. Timothy had eaten the WHOLE thing!
We didn’t tell him off, knowing he’d not understand why, but also, we were a bit proud of him for not just having got to the croissant, but for having opened the plastic bag, got through the paper bag, and eaten the whole croissant – on the carpet, where it was comfy.
The second time was similar, but it was a half-pound block of chilli seeded cheese. That’s when we learned that Timothy didn’t mind a bit of chilli – he ate the WHOLE BLOCK of cheese. The only evidence was the few chilli seeds that had fallen out and got stuck in the carpet. That night, as with the croissant night, he STILL asked for his dinner as normal. How can you not br proud of that?!