A business in Guayama, Puerto Rico, published security-camera videos on social media showing a man taking more than $3,000 in cash from an employee’s purse, a theft reported on Tuesday, November 10. The business was El Grito Liquor Store, located on PR-3 highway. In a Facebook post, the establishment said it needed to identify "this gentleman who stole $3,141 from us" and offered a reward, while also stating it had already identified the person.
In a statement to customers, the store said the pertinent steps had been taken and the person involved identified, and that it kept the posts up because the individual, a longtime occasional customer, could also visit other businesses of fellow merchants; it said the aim was to raise awareness among the business community, not to generate controversy or offensive comments. Preliminary information indicates an employee lost $3,141 in cash that was inside a purse on one of the store’s counters.
After reviewing the recordings, they spotted the individual, who took advantage of no one being present, reached under the sales counter and took the wallet. The store said its employee is physically well, is receiving support after an emotionally difficult experience, and that as merchants they will take measures to strengthen security protocols. The case was referred to the Property Division of the Guayama Criminal Investigation Corps (CIC).