Insp. Brent Secondiak speaks about the stolen shoes and his compassionate decision. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Aidan Boelsgaard

Hatred is worse than theft, says city officer whose shoes were stolen

Sep 20, 2022 | 2:53 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A pair of shoes stolen from a Medicine Hat police inspector has become a lesson in kindness and understanding in our community.

It was early on Sept. 15 when MHPS Insp. Brent Secondiak noticed his shoes were missing from their usual spot outside his home. He reviewed the footage captured by his outdoor cameras and saw the shoes being stolen at about 12:50 a.m.

Secondiak went ahead with his regular morning walk and kept an eye out for the person who had taken his footwear. When Secondiak saw him wearing the stolen shoes, he confronted him. The man was apologetic and returned the shoes without struggle.

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The inspector decided not to charge the man, and instead asked why he took the shoes. Afterward, Secondiak decided to get the man a new pair of his own and delivered the shoes after work that day. Secondiak shared the story on his social media, and it has since spread throughout Medicine Hat.

“I was frustrated at first but I really got thinking about his story, and why he’s in the predicament he is, and the trauma he’s faced in his life,” Secondiak explains. “So I made a decision not to charge him, just kind of speak to him, and give him a warning about it, and it was good. You know I said in my social media post that theft is wrong, which it is, but hatred is worse.”

Secondiak advises all residents of Medicine Hat to lock up their belongings to avoid having them stolen.