Suspected Serial Shoplifter Steals Steaks, Crab Legs

Brookfield police suspect a serial Waukesha shoplifter with a taste for fine meats was the thief whose latest attempted plunder was foiled by a Sendik's Fine Foods manager.

According to police reports:

A man was caught shoplifting two packages each of steaks and crab legs, worth about $126, about 12:30 p.m. July 20 at Sendik's on Capitol.

A Sendik's manager confronted the man at his vehicle and during a tussle, grabbed the man's jacket, with the stolen meats falling out. The manager reached inside the car and grabbed another bag before the man fled.

That bag had seven steaks, which according to store video, were stolen earlier that morning at the Pick 'n Save at 17295 W. Capitol Dr. The listed owner of the vehicle, a 52-year-old Waukesha man, has a long criminal record including numerous retail theft charges and convictions.

The Sendik's manager said he believes the suspect stole food at least two other times this year and has a history of stealing lobster and other meats.

Shoplifting as therapy?

A 16-year-old Brookfield girl trying to stock up on cosmetics and accessories was arrested Tuesday afternoon for retail theft at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa with merchandise from six different stores hidden in her purse and on her person.

She was seen stealing a headband from Francesca’s and was followed from there to Bath and Body Works. Police detained her when she left that store and found she had goods from Aldo, Forever 21, Sephora and Soaps & Scents in her purse. She also pulled a $3 scent refill from Bath and Body Works from her bra. Only Aldo, where she had taken sunglasses, and Sephora, where she had stolen cosmetics, wanted to prosecute. The value of merchandise from those two stores alone came to more than $425. 

The girl said she steals pretty things whenever she’s mad at her mother, always feels badly afterward, and, tearfully, was mortified by what her family would now think of her now.

She was referred to Milwaukee County Children's Court.