Police Searching for ‘Pickle Bandit’ Who Stole $13,000 Worth of Fancy McClure’s Products

Detroit’s latest caper is flavored with dill and spicy bloody mary mix. The Detroit News reports that local police are investigating the theft of some $13,867 worth of products from everyone’s favorite artisan pickle maker McClure’s. The black market inventory, which includes $710 worth of chips and $486 worth of bloody mix, was found being sold in stores for bargain prices (between $3 and $4 when jars generally retail for up to $10).

“I have done a lot of things in my 18 years as a police officer, but didn’t think I would be setting aside other work to be out looking for a pickle bandit,” detective Mike Pacteles tells the News.

The McClure’s team apparently became concerned while doing inventory and called an employee meeting to discuss the missing products. One staff member reported seeing McClure’s jars and chips at nearby shops that had not received deliveries. Investigators believe the theft is “an inside job” and are continuing to look into employees and former employees.

If found, the individuals involved may face theft and embezzlement charges. Additionally, store owners selling stolen products are at at risk for felony charges, fines, and prison time.

Food theft is fairly common. Last January, thieves in Wisconsin nabbed a refrigerated tractor-trailer loaded with $70,000 worth of cheese while bandits in Italy lifted some $200,000 worth wine from wineries.

• Police in a Pickle After McClure’s Products Pilfered [Detroit News]

• All CrimeWire Coverage [ED]

• All Shit People Steal Coverage [ED]