A male suspect walked into Walmart and remixed the rules by stealing a Sony digital media receiver straight from a glass case, according to the Irvine Police Department. This equipment can be worth up to $500.
The suspect was wearing a red cap, denim jacket, Vans tee, khaki pants, and Nike sneakers. He had a full beard as well. He made his silent exit in a dark blue 2-door Chevrolet pickup truck.
Do you know him? Help the IPD to turn the volume down on retail theft. Contact Detective Etlinger at detlinger@cityofirvine.org.
In Irvine, California, the penalties for shoplifting—such as stealing a Sony digital media receiver from a Walmart—depend primarily on the value of the stolen item and whether the individual has any prior offenses.
Legal Classification
- If the item is worth less than $950 (which is likely for most Sony digital media receivers), the offense is typically charged as petty theft, a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 484 and § 488.
- If the value exceeds $950, or if the individual has certain prior convictions, it could be charged as grand theft, which may be a felony.
Potential Penalties for Petty Theft (Misdemeanor)
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Probation
- Restitution to the store
- Permanent ban from Walmart stores
Additional Consequences
- Criminal Record: A conviction can appear on background checks, affecting employment and housing opportunities.
- Civil Demand Letters: Walmart may send a letter demanding a civil penalty (often $200–$500), regardless of whether the merchandise was recovered.
- Trespass Ban: Walmart may issue a formal ban from all its locations, and violating it could lead to a criminal trespass charge.
Walmart’s Approach
Walmart is known for aggressively pursuing shoplifting cases, even for low-value items. They use extensive surveillance and often compile evidence to support prosecution, especially for repeat offenders.
Aren’t glass cases supposed to be kept locked?
Maybe it was an inside job!