CHANDLER -- Chandler police say a suspect who likes to steal cosmetics has resurfaced after nearly six months.
The Chandler Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify the thief known to Walgreens as the "Blue Basket Bandit."
Over the past two and a half years, police say the suspect has stolen approximately $10,000 worth of cosmetic merchandise from Walgreens stores around Chandler and neighboring cities.
The latest robbery occurred on Monday at the Walgreens at Gilbert Road and Chandler Boulevard.
According to police, the suspect enters a Walgreens, picks up a blue shopping basket and proceeds to the cosmetics section where he sweeps various items into the basket with his arm.
Sgt. Joe Favazzo said the suspect removes a Walgreens plastic bag from his pocket and puts the cosmetics inside. He then walks out without paying.
The thefts range from $300 to $700 in merchandise each time.
Favazzo said the suspect often changes his appearance and will use different vehicles for each theft, removing the license plate from the vehicle before committing the theft.
The suspect is described as a white male about 5 feet 7 inches tall with a medium build and brown hair. Favazzo said in the most recent case, he has some gray in his hair and appears to have lost weight.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call 480-782-4130.
