A BRAZEN thief has pleaded guilty to stealing after he was caught walking out of Home Depot with a bin full of expensive goods.
He passed store employees at the entrance without raising suspicion and made it to the parking lot before getting stopped.
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The heist happened last summer at a Home Depot in Brewster, New York, which is about an hour outside of Manhattan.
Tyrell Reynolds, 38, has now pleaded guilty to grand larceny in Putnam County Court.
Surveillance footage showed Reynolds loading multiple smart thermostats into a black bin before heading out.
The items were worth a total of $3,956.61, officials said.
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Reynolds did not plan on paying for a single product – he simply walked right out with them, prosecutors said.
Loss prevention staff stopped him outside the store.
But before cops arrived, Reynolds bolted.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department launched a full investigation to track him down.
Reynolds was eventually located and arrested after what officials called an extensive search.
He’s now facing two to four years behind bars.
His sentencing is set for May 13.
District Attorney Robert Tendy confirmed the guilty plea on Wednesday.
“Retail thefts are becoming increasingly common in New York, and thieves are becoming more brazen in how much they steal and how they steal it,” he said.
“We won’t let this happen in Putnam County. If you get caught, you’re going to pay for it.”
Full statement from District Attorney Robert Tendy
“Retail thefts are becoming increasingly common in New York, and thieves are becoming more brazen in how much they steal and how they steal it,” District Attorney Robert Tendy said.
“We won’t let this happen in Putnam County.
“If you get caught, you’re going to pay for it. We have to protect our local businesses.”
Source: Putnam County District Attorney
Tendy said local businesses need to be protected from this kind of theft.
The DA credited sheriff’s department Investigator Jeffrey Devolve for helping bring Reynolds in.
He also praised Assistant District Attorney Mackenzie Ferguson for prosecuting the case.
Reynolds is being held in custody as he awaits sentencing next month.
The case has sparked renewed focus on retail theft across the region.
The DA’s office said they’re cracking down hard on all retail thefts.
Home Depot did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The U.S. Sun.
ANTI-THEFT PUSH
Home Depot had made changes at self-checkout as it joins other major retailers in efforts to reduce theft.
Last year, the company extended its use of computer vision technology across stores, including at self-checkout stations.
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This system can detect carts with many items or high-value products and alert employees to double-check that everything has been scanned correctly.
Executive Vice President Ann-Marie Campbell said the technology previously helped to keep shelves stocked and improve customer service.
Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.
- Locking items in cabinets
- Security pegs
- Security cameras
- Signs warning about the impact of theft
- Receipt scanners
- Receipt checks
- Carts with locking technology
https://www.the-sun.com/news/14050465/home-depot-thermostat-stolen-guilty-new-york/