Watauga police mentioned Sunday that 28-year-old Winston Love allegedly stole from 23 Goal shops over the previous two months in 14 cities, principally across the Dallas space, with the thefts totaling greater than $37,000.
Love, who was later discovered with eight excellent warrants and unlawful narcotics, can be suspected of being half of a bigger theft ring spanning Texas and Oklahoma, primarily concentrating on tens of hundreds of {dollars}’ price of Lego merchandise, officers mentioned.
“Mr. Love can be believed to be a part of an organized retail theft ring working in Texas and Oklahoma, many involving Lego merchandise,” the Watauga Police Division mentioned in an announcement, including that he focused Dallas, Watauga, Irving, Plano, Fort Value, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Frisco, Grapevine, Euless, Arlington, Mansfield, Temple and Harker Heights.
Authorities described Love’s actions as “extremely brazen,” noting that he would merely stroll out of shops with the Lego merchandise, in line with FOX 4.
“It’s extremely brazen. If you watch video of the person committing these crimes, he actually goes purchasing by way of the shop, determines what merchandise he needs, and this particular person particularly targets Lego merchandise. He both masses them in a cart or simply masses them beneath his arms and actually walks proper out the door, nearly defying anyone to, in full defiance of anyone which may attempt to cease him,” Watauga Police Chief Jim Lewis mentioned.
“It’s simple to promote these merchandise on-line at almost their retail worth, so the chance versus reward for them turns into price it,” Lewis added.
Love was arrested this previous Friday following a shoplifting name in Watauga.
Officers mentioned police responded to reviews of theft at a Goal retailer the place Love had allegedly walked out with $1,200 price of merchandise and fled the scene earlier than officers arrived.
Officers positioned the suspect shortly after the theft and, following a quick standoff, satisfied him to give up peacefully. He was taken into custody with out incident.
The next day, Watauga police executed a search warrant on the similar residence, the place extra stolen property and unlawful narcotics have been recovered. Officers additionally seized one car and roughly $5,000 in money.
Love was discovered to have a number of excellent felony warrants for theft-related offenses from a number of jurisdictions, together with Tarrant, Dallas and Rockwall Counties, police mentioned.
He was charged with state jail felony theft and transported to the North Richland Hills Detention Middle.
“This case highlights the superb work and collaboration between our officers and regional legislation enforcement companions,” mentioned Lewis in an announcement.
“Their swift actions and thorough investigation not solely led to the arrest of a serial offender but additionally to the restoration of stolen property. Retail thefts influence everybody in our neighborhood, and the Watauga Police Division stays dedicated to defending each individuals and property to make sure our metropolis stays a secure place to stay, work, and play.”
Goal didn’t instantly reply to FOX Enterprise’ request for remark.
