CHELSEA — A “notorious” Starbucks thief stole eight bags of coffee from an outpost on Eighth Avenue — the latest in a string of thefts he’s carried out while workers were serving customers, police and an employee said.
The approximately 40-year-old suspect walked into the chain at 177 Eighth Ave., at the corner of West 19th Street, about 1:06 p.m. Sunday and swiped eight bags of Argentine coffee grounds worth a total of $111.60, the NYPD said.
Police searched the area for the shoplifter, but were not able to find him.
On Wednesday, a shift supervisor working at the store said the suspect comes in “every few weeks,” puts his bag by the door, uses the restroom and swipes items as he leaves.
“On his way out, he’ll stuff … whatever [into his bag],” the supervisor explained.
She estimated he'd stolen "hundreds of dollars" in merchandise over the course of his thefts.
“That guy, he’s pretty notorious,” she added. “He’s a frequent thief.”
The man isn’t the only thief the Starbucks has had to deal with, according to the supervisor, who didn't want her name used for this story.
Every so often — usually during morning rush or late at night when employees are cleaning up — shoplifters steal coffee and items such as cups and sugar shakers from the store, she said.
“We just try our best to stay on top of it. But there’s not a whole lot you can do,” the supervisor explained. “It’s just so hard not to pay attention to the customers who are paying.”
