I think we can agree:
- Theft is a crime, but theft from service colleagues is an even bigger crime.
- It is totally unfair to tar everyone of the same trade with the same brush
- HMRC generally play ball with servicemen and give them a lot of leeway
By the way, I recall a colleague bringing back a ride-on lawnmower years ago. He declared it, but 'Farquhar-the-Revenue' (Old Scamptonians may remember him) made him pay car tax on it! This was later revoked when some more senior Customs mate saw sense!
Typical HMRC chat of not so long ago:
"Anything to declare?"
"Yes - a DJ of Metaxa brandy"
"Not exactly Remy Martin, is it sir? A bit like kokinelli, wouldn't you say?"
"Err..OK, I see what you mean. Pretty much"
"OK, then, call it a couple of quid as it's almost Christmas!"