Lakeland Publix Target Of Paper Plate, Cold Medicine Theft, Deputies Say

Posted Jul 7, 2008 by Josh Poltilove

Updated Jul 7, 2008 at 04:58 PM

Courtesy of reporter Ray Reyes:

Shoplifters have targeted a particular Lakeland Publix twice in recent months, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

The items taken?

A stack of paper plates and eight boxes of cold medicine.

Deputies have not yet arrested the suspects, but they were captured on video.

According to the sheriff’s office, this is what happened about 8:20 p.m. May 31:

Two men entered the Publix at 2040 Shepherd Road in Lakeland and removed the paper plates without paying.

Photos courtesy of Polk County Sheriff’s Office

The first man is described as Hispanic, about 23 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white tank top and jean shorts.

The second man is described as Hispanic, about 19 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and about 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing jean shorts and a short-sleeve shirt.

They were last seen leaving the area in a 1998 four-door beige Buick with a possible tag number of 843IEQ.

Then there was this incident, which the sheriff’s office said happened about 8:24 p.m. June 13:

A man walked into the supermarket and removed eight boxes of cold medicine without paying. He is described as a white man with multiple tattoos and was last seen wearing jeans with a chain, a black shirt and hat.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call Detective Jill Seymour at (863) 577-1600 or (863) 534-6200.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691. Follow crime throughout the day at Keyword: Crime Blog