Steve Steals From A Cashpoint
The tale of how Stephen Merchant tried to bring balance to the Universe by stealing from a cashpoint is a famous anecdote from The Ricky Gervais Show on Xfm. Steve has been mocked many times by Ricky and Karl for being tight with money, and this is a good example of his thriftiness. Steve told the anecdote on the 14 June 2003 Xfm show as well as on The Steve Show.
Origin
This story begins when Steve was between 10 and 12 years old. Whilst walking past a post office he noticed a purse on the ground. He opened it and had a look inside, seeing a pension book next to the money he came to the conclusion that it was an old lady's purse. He found an address in the purse and sent it back to the lady. Steve's mum reassured her son that he would probably receive a reward for his good deed, which, to his chagrin, he did not (apart from a 'thank you' note). He was livid as he felt he had been a good Samaritan.
Karma
Many years later when Steve was at university, he went to a cashpoint (ATM) and noticed he couldn't get his card in. He discovered that someone had put in their card, entered their PIN number and disappeared. The screen presented the usual options, as well as an intriguing moral dilemma for a young Merchant. Steve checked the balance of the account, which was a substantial amount. Far more than the average student debt! Steve, feeling he had been wronged all those years ago by a selfish old woman, decided to bring balance back to the Universe by withdrawing 30 pounds from the machine before returning it to the bank.
Response
Ricky was shocked at Steve's story, not only what Steve did, but the fact he saw nothing wrong with it. Karl said he would take 20 pounds but would let the person know "the service charge was included". This is one of the many anecdotes that has contributed to the fan's perception of Steve as tight with money.
Defence
Steve claims it was excellent behaviour. He further justified his actions by saying it was a way of teaching the card's owner a lesson. He went on to say that a less scrupulous person would have cleaned the account out. He also used the money to buy his mates a drink.