You're essentially saying that it is entirely reasonable for an escooter left outside the shops to be stolen. I disagree with that take. People should be able to park their bike/scooter/whatever, duck inside for a few essentials and expect their ride to still be out the front of the shops when they come out. That you think they can't speak poorly of your attitude to people in your community.

For what it's worth, I agree with you that the risk of my bike being stolen outweighs the benefits of me taking it to the shops. So I suppose I'm in the same boat as you in a way. But cases like this may make opportunistic thieves reconsider that theft. Which I can only see as a good thing. I always feel guilty when I take the car for a small shop. I live close enough that the bike would be quicker and easier than driving if I could trust it not to get stolen.

The dude committed a crime. The fact that the police set the scenario up is completely beside that simple point. That's a decision entirely in his own hands and at some point, a grown adult needs to take responsibility for their actions.