One hell of an apology

Two city men who tried stealing a floor mat from a downtown business Tuesday ended up learning about customer service, North Bay Police style.

The men were walking past the business when they grabbed the mat and continued on their way.

They were seen by staff who chased them, reclaimed the mat, then returned to the store and contacted the North Bay Police Service.

Cst. Andre Berube was dispatched to take a report, and while he was there the thieves called to complain about the way they’d been treated by the staff members when apprehended.

Berube took the phone and pretended to be the manager. He apologized and asked them to come to the store so he could further apologize in person and chastise the staff in question.

The men took the bait, came in and were arrested for the initial theft.

A 30-year-old man is charged with theft under $5,000. Police have not released his name.