ST. GEORGE — A pair of thieves distracted a Lip Trix employee Wednesday afternoon long enough for one of them to walk out with two skateboards worth over $500.
Kris Ripplinger, owner of the longtime skateboard and snowboard shop on St. George Boulevard in St. George, said the pair used a classic split-up technique.
“One of them stayed at the front of the store while the other came to the back and asked about specialized skateboard shoes,” Ripplinger said.
“When the employee went to the back for a moment to check on available sizes, the man in the front snatched one board and started to walk out, then changed his mind and grabbed another board before leaving,” he added.
Security footage obtained from Ripplinger shows the theft taking place. It took approximately 17 seconds for the man to grab the boards and walk out. The boards are described as Land Yachtz Rotors, one of which has a unique shape.
Thursday, the employee was looking out the front window when he saw one of the two alleged thieves ride by on one of the stolen boards. He ran out and grabbed the man on the board and tried unsuccessfully to flag down a passing police car. After a brief verbal exchange, the man ran off, leaving the stolen board behind.
“It was nice getting it back,” Ripplinger said, “but it’s a used board now. It lost some of its value.”
Ripplinger said he is hoping the public will view the footage and pictures and help identify the man who stole the boards.
St. George Police Sgt. Sam Despain said the matter is under investigation.
Anyone who recognizes the man the pictures is asked to call St. George Police Officer Jeremy Needles at 435-627-4300.
Related posts
- Information sought in 4th RadioShack burglary in a year
- Early morning business burglary nets $500
- Citizen tips aid in capture of burglary suspect
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @NewsWayman
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2015, all rights reserved.
on the bright side maybe the owner won’t be gullible enough to be fooled twice
Losers.