Lakewood camera shop gets hit by shoplifters again -- but suspects caught on video



LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- A local camera store was hit again by thieves -- they walk right in and then leave with merchandise.

It's happened a  half-dozen times in the past three years at Robi's Camera Center in Lakewood. By getting the word out, they're hoping someone can help identify the suspects.

"We never get use to it; the emotions run high, the anger runs high," said Tod Wolf, manager of Robi's. "Some sort of grabbing of camera equipment and dashing out the door has happened at least six times in three or four years."

On Tuesday, one of the many surveillance cameras recorded a man and woman walking it -- and right back out again with a half-dozen Go Pro accessories taken right off the display case.

"One employee was watching them, turned their back for a second, and they're out the door," Wolf said.

When another customer came nearby, they were bold enough to ask her a question.

"'Do you work here?' She said, 'No, I don't.' He said, 'OK', grabbed the goods and walked out the door," Wolf said.

The stolen merchandise usually goes right on the internet -- on Craigslist or eBay. Oftentimes, Wolf will find it there and will call police. And he has a message for shoppers on those sites.

"If it's too good a deal and it's on Craigslist, it's stolen," Wolf said. "If it's out there without its charger, without its accessories and its owner's manual, it's stolen."

Police are still looking for the suspects in this case. And as for security, it's too expensive to hire a full-time guard so Robi's employees will remain vigilant.