In the movies, brazen thieves typically hide their identities with costume masks of presidents or clowns. In real life, one clever thief decided to go a little more inconspicuous as a Walmart worker, allowing him to stroll out of the Palmdale store with four flat screen TVs, reports CBS Los Angeles.
The daring stunt occurred during New Year's Eve when stores were packed with last-minute shoppers. The suspect reportedly dressed as a Walmart greeter, wearing everything from the signature blue vest to a name badge, according to investigators who believe they caught the thief on tape.
"He walked in the back, loaded up four TVS into a shopping cart with the appearance of he may have been helping a customer and walked out of the store," Palmdale Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Moore told CBS.
If caught, the suspect could face serious criminal charges. Under California law, theft crimes are divided into two degrees - petty and grand. Grand theft, which is charged against someone suspected of stealing more that $950 worth of property, is typically punishable by a maximum of one year in county jail.
The suspect has been described as a black male between the ages of 40 to 50 years old, bald, approximately 6 feet tall, and 250 pounds, according to CBS.
Anyone with information about the Walmart imposter can leave an anonymous tip by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or directly contact the Palmdale Police Department at (661) 272-2400.
For more information on theft crimes, see our Related Resources section.
Related Resources:
- Find a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
- Police: Thief Dressed as Employee Walks Out of Store with 4 TVs (KTLA News)
- Theft/Larceny (FindLaw)
- Lindsay Lohan Theft Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor (The Los Angeles Cirminal Law Blog)
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