The family that owns Yordi's Boots in north Houston says they are dealing with a repeat shoplifter. They say the man has stolen from the store for years, costing them hundreds of dollars and upsetting staff. After a recent scuffle at the front door and review of surveillance video, they are increasing security and asking for help identifying the suspect.
Video shared by the family shows a December break in and a tense confrontation on January 16 in which a man tried to walk out with multiple pairs of boots, according to ABC13. In the January 16 clip, daughter Ellie Soto blocks the front door, and the man drops some of the boots before bolting, the station reports. The family told ABC13 they filed a report with Houston police, but no arrest has been made.
"It's not the boots, it's the principle," Soto told ABC13, saying the same suspect has gone after the family's East Little York store several times over the years. She told the station she was once put in a chokehold while trying to stop a thief and that recent losses for the shop are in the "hundreds." To slow down grab and run attempts, the family says they have added locks and stopped displaying complete matching boot sets.
Police and how to report tips
The family has filed a report with the Houston Police Department and is urging anyone who recognizes the man to speak up. Crime Stoppers of Houston lists a 24/7 hotline and anonymous online tip forms that can lead to cash rewards, as noted by Crime Stoppers. HPD's robbery division also posts wanted bulletins and instructions for submitting tips by phone and online, tools that can help investigators track people accused of targeting multiple businesses.
Why small retailers are vulnerable
Retail theft and so called boosting have long been a headache for Houston merchants, and local coverage shows no consensus on how bad the problem really is or how to fix it. A 2023 look at the issue in the Houston Chronicle examined data and expert views on organized retail theft, while sting operations and multi agency efforts have led to arrests, as Click2Houston reported. Many small shop owners say easy resale markets and relatively light penalties for lower dollar thefts leave independent retailers especially exposed.
For now, the family at Yordi's Boots says they will keep bolting down displays and monitoring cameras, even though what they really want is an arrest, not more hardware. Anyone with information about the suspect or the incidents can contact Crime Stoppers or call the Houston Police Department's non emergency number to share tips. The family is hoping that one solid lead is enough to end what they describe as years of being singled out.
