Michael Rapaport Outraged As Alleged Rite Aid Shoplifter Walks Past Security
Michael Rapaport Films Alleged Brazen Shoplifter ... 'I Can't Believe this S***!!!'
UPDATE
1:16 PM PT -- A law enforcement source tells us the NYPD is officially investigating the case as petit larceny. Among the items stolen -- totaling about $500 -- include Trojan condoms, Nexus shampoo, Pantene shampoo, Dove soap, electric shaver, Neutrogena conditioner, Old Spice, Axe products, Elvive hair treatment, Conair products, Cremo cologne and toothpaste.
UPDATE
10:31 AM PT -- A rep for Rite Aid tells TMZ ... "The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority, and we are grateful that no one was harmed in this situation. We are in the process of conducting a full investigation and will work with local law enforcement to identify and pursue this offender."
UPDATE
"Like all retailers, we’ve seen a much higher level of brazen shoplifting and organized retail crime over the last year, and we are taking an active role in helping law enforcement pursue these offenders as well as working with other retailers and local leaders to push for stronger legislation to deter these types of crimes."
Michael Rapaport was almost speechless Tuesday ... he says he watched a "shopper" shoplift a bag full of items and breeze right past a security guard ... and the actor is just incredulous.
You don't see it in the video, but apparently, Michael saw the man putting items in a bag. It's unclear why Michael's eyes were trained on this guy before the video started, but it does appear the guy beelines it for the exit as a security guard stands there and does nothing.
"I can't believe I'm seeing this s*** ... this f***ing guy just filled his two bags up with everything in Rite Aid, right here on 80th and First Avenue is walking down the street like s***."
Rapaport follows the guy outside the store and continues ... "Looking me in my face like, 'What's good?' My man just went Christmas shopping in January. He had the condoms, the shampoo."
Michael put the video on his social media account and tagged NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who has been extremely vocal about crime in the City.
Apparently, the store didn't file a theft report, at least not yet.
We called the Rite Aid, but no one answered the phone.
There's been an epidemic of brazen store thefts around the country recently ... with smash-and-grabs from coast to coast, creating wars between progressive D.A.'s who aren't filing charges against the thieves and police. The L.A. County Sheriff is at war with the L.A. County D.A. for failing to prosecute some of these smash-and-grab robbers.
Originally Published -- 6:57 AM PT
