Man Steals $1,700 in Caviar from Whole Foods in Irvine

URGENT UPDATE: A man is on the run after stealing approximately $1,700 worth of caviar from a Whole Foods store in Irvine, California. The theft took place on December 29, 2023, around 6:30 p.m., and the Irvine Police Department is calling for public assistance to identify the suspect.

According to police spokesman Kyle Oldoerp, the alleged thief appeared to shop normally before executing the brazen theft. He selected several items and placed them in a shopping basket, only to later conceal 12 cans of caviar inside a paper Whole Foods bag he had brought with him. After abandoning the basket, he exited the store without paying.

The stolen caviar included high-end brands such as Fishwife, featuring its Caviar Duet and Golden White Reserve, as well as products from Tsar Nicoulai. Prices for the caviar ranged between $99 and $170 per container, making this theft particularly shocking for both store employees and customers.

An alert employee noticed the missing items shortly after the theft and reviewed the store’s surveillance footage, which captured the entire incident. “This is not Jason Statham filming an action scene in a grocery store,” the police humorously noted in a social media post, emphasizing the unusual nature of the crime.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the suspect to contact Irvine Police Detective Drake at [email protected]. As this case develops, police are keen to resolve the matter swiftly, and community tips could be crucial.

This theft raises concerns about security in retail spaces, especially during busy holiday periods when shopping traffic is high. The Irvine community is encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Stay tuned for updates as more details unfold in this significant theft case that has left many locals in disbelief.