Friday, July 12, 2024

Male Sought in Grocery Store Shoplifting Turned Robbery

On Monday, April 8, 2024 at around 5:50 pm, an unknown male entered a grocery store, located at the 200 block of W. 20th, in Houston, Texas. The male walked into the store, removed packages of meat, and then walked out of the store without attempting to pay for it. An employee attempted to take the unpaid items from the suspect as he was leaving. The suspect then pushed the employee as he was trying to leave, got into a black four-door sedan, and fled the location. The suspect may also be responsible for similar robberies committed in the same area as this one. Houston PD #505360-24 

Suspect description: White male, 30’s, black shirt, black pants, and tattoos on the right arm.

 Please contact Crime Stoppers of Houston DIRECTLY if you have any information related to this investigation. Information leading to the charging and/or arrest of any felony suspects may result in a cash payment up to $5,000. Tipsters MUST contact Crime Stoppers DIRECTLY to remain anonymous and to be considered for a cash payment by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.

 The Houston Police Department Robbery Division would like to offer the following robbery prevention tips for businesses: 

1.            Employees and employers should always remain alert and observant. Things to watch for: 

             People wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, such as heavy coats during warm weather.

             People carrying empty bags or backpacks while shopping

             Suspicious or unusual behavior from customers.

 2.            Always have a plan. Have regular safety meetings to develop and discuss your "plan". Some of the elements of a good plan could include the following:

              Do not try to be a hero. Take no action that would jeopardize your own safety.

             If you recognize the suspect as a frequent shoplifter, have an employee notify the police and have prearranged signals between employees.

             MAKE MENTAL NOTES -- Make a mental note of the robber's race, age, height sex, clothing, complexion, color of hair and eyes, etc. Note anything unusual about the robber, such as scars or tattoos.

             Have good quality working surveillance cameras inside the store

             Mark the edge of the main doorway with measuring tape. This will help in obtaining a more accurate height of the suspects.