Six Sought In Retail Theft Ring Targeting Lowes Stores

McCANDLESS (KDKA) – Police in McCandless say they've jailed the ring leader of a retail theft group that Lowes stores repeatedly over the last month-and-a-half.

Some thieves are discriminating, these were not.

"Could be flooring, could be ceiling tiles and the T's for suspended ceiling, various kinds of merchandise that is expensive," said McCandless Police Chief Gary Anderson.

Anderson says Lowes came to police with video surveillance of 27-year-old Gunnar Frantz stealing from the store.

"He'd put it on a flat cart and walk out of the store with it and he'd carry a piece of paper as if it was a receipt and if someone came towards him, he'd waive it and keep going," said Anderson.

He was at the store 13 times throughout October and early November. Anderson says Frantz hit the Lowes in McCandless, Pittsburgh Mills, Gibsonia and Cranberry.

"The merchandise was returned by someone else a day or so later for cash or gift card in the similar amount of the value of the merchandise," said Anderson.

Store video surveillance and return documentation has identified some of the suspects.
Police say there are six they've identified.

And because this is Frantz' third strike.

Frantz remains in the Allegheny County Jail and the search continues for the other suspects.

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