WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP -- Police have just released surveillance pictures from a panty theft at Victoria's Secret inside the Wyoming Valley Mall in Luzerne County.
The theft was reported last week. The latest video shows three people stealing $3,200 worth of undergarments, known as 'Cheeky' panties. One woman appears to hold up a piece of clothing in the direction of the store's camera while two people behind her load up. Then as one man walks out with a bag, the other two move on to hit another part of the store. Victoria's Secret is the largest American retailer for lingerie.
"I think it's pretty ridiculous that, you know, other people are scrounging to, you know, just survive and they think it's okay to go and steal. It's not right," said Alex Serafin of Pittston.
The panty raid was not the first time thieves have struck the store. In April, two people were caught on camera swiping hundreds of dollars worth of bras. Last year, in the span of a few minutes, crooks stole 75 bras, too.
Despite all the attention, police said they have not gotten much helpful information to crack the crimes.
"It's unbelievable. I can't believe that somebody would actually get away with that and nobody saw them taking that much merchandise. It's crazy," said Danielle Raczkowski of White Haven.
Wilkes-Barre Township Police said with about 300 stores in the township, shoplifting is the number one crime. Police said Victoria's Secret is hardly the only store with an issue, but still, officers said it is a problem.
"I wouldn't even know what to do, probably tighten security, just checking bags as they go out," said Serafin.
"If I own that store, I'd be sitting there, watching everybody that come in and come out. First it was bras, now it's panties, what's next?" said Bernie Czeck of Mocanaqua.
If you recognize the people in the surveillance video, contact Wilkes-Barre Township police.
