‘Distraction thievery’: Surveillance video shows how a woman stole from Wawa, cops say
A Wawa in Davenport, Florida, was robbed — without employees even realizing it at the time. Apparently, the workers were too distracted, according to law enforcement officials.
New video released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office shows surveillance video taken Jan. 30 of a woman who arrives in a truck, enters the store, and proceeds to cause just the right amount of chaos to boost some beer.
According to the PCSO Facebook post, the method she used is referred to as “distraction thievery.”
“Once inside, she cuts in line (not a crime, but totally rude) and borrows a pen from the cashier,” says the post. “She comes back to the counter and cuts in front of someone else (still not a crime, still totally rude). She asks the cashier for three packs of cigarettes, and says that she will be paying for them at another register.”
The women then proceeds to cut yet another register and pay cash for fuel. That’s three times for those counting at home.
The individual returns to the register yet again to ask for plastic bags.
No cutting in line this go-around, but there was no one in line.
Finally, she departs but with a little something extra — and not paid for at the register she visited so many times.
“What you don’t see in this video is that she grabbed a case of Landshark Lager and walked out without paying for any of it (except the fuel),” according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies say the crime involves more than bad manners.
“This woman’s distraction thievery and line-cutting is a drag on polite society. Some might say the line-butting is worse, but the larceny is what we have to hold her accountable.”
If you can identify this person, contact detective Wiertel at 863-236-3931, (reference case #20-6404), or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers. Call 800-226 TIPS (8477), visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
This story was originally published February 12, 2020 at 11:18 AM.
