Self-checkout aisles apparently convenient for thieves, too

Image of suspect from surveillance footage.

ROCHESTER - A lot of people may be unfamiliar with the crime of under ringing items, but it happens all the time in self-checkout aisles like those used at Hannaford and Walmart.

"It's pretty common and a big challenge for those stores that have self-checkouts," said Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas today.

One of the most recent incidents of under ringing occurred at Walmart in which an elderly man is alleged to have picked up a couple of items, including a candy bar and a more expensive item.

"He scanned the candy bar, then put both items in the bag," Thomas said.

The identity of the suspect in the case has not been confirmed, but police are chasing down several leads.

Thomas said loss prevention personnel focus on the self-checkout aisles for such crimes, but in this case did not catch the suspect in the act, only later during routine reviews of surveillance tapes, after which they passed the information on to Rochester Police to investigate.

The crime falls under the willful concealment charge, a Class B misdemeanor, however two convictions within three years can result in a felony charge and prison time.

Police say the man could be linked to other such incidents also under investigation.

Anyone who thinks they may know the identity of the suspect or have any knowledge about the crime is asked to call the Rochester Police Department at 603-330-7128 and reference case # 17-388-OF.
Tipsters can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.