Makeup bandit returns after 6-month absence

[February 10, 2010]  CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) -- A bandit who likes to steal makeup from a well known drug store chain has returned after a six month absence. Chandler police said the "Blue Basket Bandit" attempted a theft Monday at a Walgreens store. Over the past two years, police said the thief has stolen approximately $10,000 worth of cosmetic merchandise from Walgreens stores around Chandler and neighboring cities.

The Blue Basket Bandit enters the store, picks up a blue shopping basket and proceeds to the cosmetics section where he removes various cosmetics.

He then removes a Walgreens plastic bag from his pocket and transfers the cosmetics from the basket to the bag.

The thief then walks out without paying.

Police said the Blue Basket Bandit often changes his appearance and will use different vehicles for each theft.

[Associated Press]

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