Sister-in-law steals from relatives, refuses to return $90 DVD set until confronted by parents: 'Every time they come for dinner, something is missing'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jul 19, 2026 7:45 PM EDT

Family isn't a free pass to take other people's belongings.

Many may argue that one of the benefits of having a decent relationship with your relatives is that you can share things with one another. You can get hand-me-downs, enjoy somebody's good cooking, and be the recipient of a free babysitting shift. In an ideal world, these are the kinds of bonds that involve an equal give and take—and the family member has to be willing to give before any taking happens. 

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who have no problem with helping themselves to somebody's time, money, or belongings just because they happen to be family. It goes without saying that the majority are not going to be happy about this unless they have given permission first. Those who tend towards entitled or unhinged behavior have a tendency to let it out even more with those they are related to, and they often are not pleased if they have to face any consequences for it. They are the kind of family member who everybody can identify as an issue, but there is likely to be drama if somebody tries to do anything about it. Still, it is not fair for them to be able to use people and their property without facing a consequence.

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  • A representation of a woman peering out of a window over a table with a tea set on it
    via Margo Evardson

    A representation of a woman peering out of a window over a table with a tea set on it

  • A woman found herself frustrated by her sister-in-law and her husband, as they seemed to take things from their house every time they visited. Often, what went missing were small things, but the sister-in-law took the behavior to another level when they decided to take home a $90 boxset of James Bond DVDs.

    They initially denied taking the set, and then spent several months claiming they couldn't find it when the woman and her husband asked for it back. Eventually, the parents got involved, but it was clear that the DVDs had been damaged. This left the woman considering banning them from their house. 

  • My sister-in-law thinks everything we own is hers

    My SIL and her husband consistently steal small or (they think) unnoticeable things from our house. We don't live in a big house nor are we well off, but every time they come over for family dinner (every 3 months or so), something is missing.
    via vjarnold
  • Usually it's something very small, like a tea candle or small fork. Months ago, they took our DVD collection of every James Bond movie. It was originally $90 so while not the most expensive thing, it was something we missed. Especially since the night they took it, we told them how much we were looking forward to watching all the movies!
    via vjarnold
  • We confronted them and parents-in- law (PIL) a week later when we confirmed we hadn't misplaced it. Everyone denied it; my MIL mentioned a couple days later she saw SIL put it in her car.
    via vjarnold
  • We asked for it back because we wanted to watch it. They "couldn't find it." We did this three separate times over the course of 6 months and they "couldn't find it."
    via vjarnold
  • PIL eventually asked SIL and husband about it and they gave it up right away. We had recently bought it when they stole it. It came back with black footprints on the outer box and scratches on half the discs.
    via vjarnold
  • She's the only SIL I have but I'd rather not have her in my house again if she and her husband will keep stealing from us. Maybe it'll be another tea candle, maybe it'll be something bigger. Does anyone else have a klepto in-law they have to keep in check?
    via vjarnold
  • A close-up of a shelf of DVDs
    via Brett Jordan

    A close-up of a shelf of DVDs

  • Southern-Interest347 Do not invite them back over.
    via Southern-Interest347
  • FrostiePi Arrange all future meet ups at her parents place. They can lose their sh as a condition of having family nights.
    via FrostiePi
  • CaliPirate Sounds like no contact with kleptomaniac SIL. When they complain, be sure to remind them why.
    via CaliPirate
  • Talithathinks I would not continue to invite them into my home. This is inexcusable.
    via Talithathinks
  • MrsMoeNo All future meet-ups can take place outside your home. You are not obligated to host them ever.
    via MrsMoeNo
  • Original_Rent7677 Ban them from the house. When the rest of the family complain, tell them why.
    via Original_Rent7677
  • Momof41984 Nope never in my home again. And I would sure as h I have new locks, preferably one with programmable codes so in case of emergency is one time access and cameras. If in laws want to know why I would simple say Bond. James Bond. Every time.
    via Momof41984
  • Plane Practice8184 Why do you keep letting them into your house when they are disrespectful and thieves? From now on your PIL host them.
    via Plane_Practice8184

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family drama dvds stealing sister in law
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