LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Thieves seem to have targeted a convenience store on Lake Mead Boulevard for petty thefts.
Surveillance video at the 76 gas station has captured crooks pocketing variety of items like beer, snacks, and even lotion.
Annabelle Gomez has worked at the store location for at least three years.
She said she enjoys talking to clients even though her job on some days can be stressful. Especially when crooks give themselves a 100% discount.
"[Since] 2019 there are 232 photos of different variations of videos or photos, from gum to a beer a run," said Gomez.
Gomez and her coworkers have been keeping track of those who don't pay.
A few days ago a customer paid for cigarettes with a $20 bill but was caught on surveillance shoving a beer down his pants.
"It's a little frustrating because if you're cashiering and you've got customers, you always have to have your head in a swivel," said Gomez.
Gomez told 13 Action News there are about three thefts a day.
The videos she and her coworkers have been taking along with photos of the suspected thieves have been shared on social media, including Facebook and YouTube.
"So people are aware, so cashiers are aware and know who to look out for," said Gomez.
Also, in May, two adults were seen on the video with two children taking items.
"She ends up walking out with nail polish remover behind her back, and her little girl has a drink of soda with her," said Gomez.
She said she doesn't chase after the thieves but does ask them to pay when they try to leave. Gomez also noted that most often of them deny they took anything.
Her boss has filed several police reports with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, according to Gomez, but she said that's not solving the issue.
"I just wish penalties were harsher, we wouldn't see as much theft," she said.
Nevada law states the standard penalty for petty theft could be a few months in jail or to pay a fine, like a traffic violation.
Gomez thinks that is a slap on the wrist.
"They have money; it's just a bad habit," she said.
However, until a change is made in the law, Gomez plans to continue to save the crooks pictures and videos.
"We keep them handy as screen-savers if they do walk in again," she said.
