Shoplifting suspect busted outside Colorado King Soopers

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (KKTV) – A man picked up some Tide Pods, grabbed bottles of shampoo, took some M&Ms, and helped himself to other merchandise from a Colorado King Soopers.

Then he skipped scanning the items and rolled his cart out the door.

But Wheat Ridge police say the suspect only got to enjoy his stolen goods for as long as it took him to get outside — because police were right there waiting for him!

“Our officers staged outside the exit, coordinating with the loss prevention team who was monitoring the suspect in real time. In the past, the suspect typically loads up bags with goods, then goes to checkout and only purchases bananas. He went by the same playbook on Thursday,” Wheat Ridge police said. “When he left the store, we took him safely into custody. Between the tide pods, shampoo and more, he left with a haul of $387 worth of goods he didn’t pay for.”

His joyrun through the store was caught on camera, which Wheat Ridge Police Department shared on social media:

We’re working with retailers in our community to stop theft in real time.

Last Thursday, Wheat Ridge PD responded to the King Soopers on Youngfield St. for a theft in progress. The loss prevention team identified an individual who had previous cases and was actively concealing items. pic.twitter.com/tU8SkvkYST

— Wheat Ridge Police (@WheatRidgePD) July 1, 2024

“Think twice before targeting these stores, or you’ll get a handcuff hello as you’re walking out!” police said.