Man used receipts from garbage can in Lowe’s theft, cops say
Suffolk County police released this surveillance image of the suspect in the Dec. 12, 2017, theft from a Lowe's in Commack. Credit: SCPD
Police said he walked into a Lowe’s store in Commack, loaded a shopping cart with a bunch of merchandise, then used receipts he’d taken from a garbage can outside the store to return the items — and get cash.
Now, Suffolk County police are asking the public’s help identifying the suspect, who made off with the money, but left behind pretty good surveillance images of himself.
The theft occurred on Dec. 12 at about 8:30 p.m. at 100 Long Island Expwy., police said.
Police did not detail what items were taken or how much cash was involved.
Images released by police show the suspect pushing a shopping cart loaded with a pail, then standing at a store counter holding a pail, a shovel and other items.
Police asked anyone with information about the theft or the suspect to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-8477. Tipsters can also submit tips by texting SCPD and CRIMES (274637), or by emailing police by visiting tipsubmit.com. All calls, texts and emails will remain confidential, police said.
John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”
