Police Investigating After Woman Seen on Camera Stealing Seven Boxes of Crab Legs From Sprouts Store in Lancaster, California
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA — Authorities in Lancaster are searching for a woman who was caught on store surveillance cameras stealing seven boxes of crab legs from a Sprouts grocery store. The incident, captured in multiple angles of security footage, shows the woman calmly loading large quantities of packaged seafood into a bag before leaving the store.
Surveillance Footage Shows Woman Filling Bag With Seafood
Store cameras recorded the woman entering Sprouts wearing light blue scrubs, red shoes, and carrying a large tote-style bag. Footage then shows her walking to a refrigerated section where boxes of crab legs were stored. According to investigators, the woman can be seen placing at least seven boxes into her bag before leaving the aisle.
Additional video appears to show her exiting the store without paying for any of the items. So far, authorities have not released the exact value of the stolen seafood, but similar cases have involved hundreds of dollars in merchandise.
Lancaster Deputies Request Public Assistance
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has not yet identified the suspect, but investigators say they are actively reviewing video evidence and interviewing store employees. Because the suspect’s face and clothing were clearly visible in the footage, deputies believe the public may be able to assist in identifying her.
Authorities did not indicate whether the woman fled on foot or by vehicle, but they confirmed the incident remains under review and potential charges could include petty theft or grand theft, depending on the value of the items stolen.
Retail Theft Cases Rising Across California
Local officials note that cases involving theft of high-value groceries—such as seafood and meat products—have increased in recent years. Stores like Sprouts, Ralphs, and other grocery chains have reported more incidents of organized and individual shoplifting targeting expensive refrigerated products.
Lancaster law enforcement is urging residents with information about the woman seen in the surveillance images to contact authorities as the investigation continues. The store has not issued a public statement but is cooperating fully with deputies.
If you recognize the individual or have information that may assist the investigation, local authorities encourage you to reach out.
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