A small chain of Colorado-based sports stores has recently fallen victim to a series of pickleball paddle thefts. These incidents, all captured on surveillance cameras, took place during business hours and in broad daylight.
Diverting The Attention Of Store Personnel
Adam Burbary, the proprietor, revealed that the perpetrators deliberately diverted the attention of store personnel when stealing the pickleball paddles.
These occurrences unfolded over the past few weeks at Game-Set-Match Inc., which has branches in Boulder, Centennial, and Denver.
Burbary disclosed that the thieves made off with pickleball paddles with a value exceeding $30,000! He noted that the groups of thieves frequented each location multiple times, amounting to a collective six to eight visits since the beginning of the year.
Forty-Five Paddles In 10 Minutes!
CBS News reported that the most significant theft occurred at the Centennial branch, where 45 pickleball paddles were snatched within a mere 10-minute window.
“We’ve got footage; they’re pretty brazen, and they don’t even care if they’re being videoed or taking pictures of,” remarked Burbary. “We had a group that we needed to feel more comfortable with.
“We go back in the footage with a little suspicion and find out that they’re shoplifting stuff from us in a professional, organized manner,” he added.
Using Clothing To Conceal The Merchandise
The surveillance footage from the locations showed how a trio of women used their clothing to conceal dozens of paddles. Additionally, a duo comprising a man and a woman was also identified using similar shoplifting tactics.
“They were selecting certain items valued at $225 of a paddle to $275, and they took, at this point, 120 paddles,” Burbary explained.
Furthermore, Burbary stated that the store’s inventory had been meticulously taken in early January, enabling them to ascertain precisely what had been stolen.
“This group came in and targeted specific things on specific days and basically came down here and repeated it almost like it was a route,” Burbary added.
A Reorganization Of The Store Layout
Following the thefts, the staff implemented a reorganization of the store layout, ensuring that higher-value items remained within their line of sight.
“We are not a target anymore, but I’ll emphasize all other businesses need to not be a target either,” said Burbary.
As the business commemorates its 35th anniversary this month, the pickleball community has rallied in support, and in response to the thefts, JOOLA, the tennis and pickleball equipment specialist, generously donated 30 paddles.
“It kind of restores humanity and makes me feel like people get it and care,” expressed Burbary.
Burbary has taken proactive measures by filing police reports with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Denver police, and Boulder police. A spokesperson from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that investigations into the thefts are presently underway.
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