In a straightforward apprehension of a rather persistent shoplifter, the Las Cruces Police Department has reported the arrest of David Alan Leonard, 32. A social media video capturing a theft at a local retail store became key in cracking the case open. Leonard now faces charges for a spree of shoplifting incidents that have antagonized area businesses.
Leonard's knack for timing, entering retail stores multiple times a day was a factor that led to his identification. He effectively masqueraded his visage with a mask during the heists, according to the Las Cruces Police Department. The community's Retail Asset Protection partners contributed significantly, lending their expertise to the Community Outreach Unit of the LCPD in singling out Leonard from the masked bandit.
The extensive investigation, stitched together over several months, saw the police working in concert with local retailers. Their collaborative effort is ongoing, sifting through incidents to ensure charges reflect the cumulative value of the merchandise Leonard pilfered from their premises. Shoplifting is more than a petty crime, it's a continuous battle for retailers, constantly devising strategies against those who would siphon their stock undetected.
Leonard's run came to a halt with a felony arrest warrant for swiping merchandise valued over $500 from Rack Room Shoes, a tipping point in a series of thefts. Found by police, Leonard was arrested without further drama. The city, through the diligence of its protectors and the watchful eyes of its citizens, shows that even in the age of masks, anonymity can't always cloak the deeds done in its shadow.
