"Publix Shopper Caught on Camera Stealing $2,500 in Groceries Using Ramen in Elaborate Scheme"

A PUBLIX shopper is accused of using instant ramen noodles to pull off a scam that allegedly netted more than $2,500 in stolen goods.

David Crespo was arrested after cops say he repeatedly cheated self-checkout machines at a Florida store.

A Florida man is accused of using ramen noodle barcodes to steal over $2,500 in groceries Credit: capecops.com David Crespo allegedly swapped barcodes at self-checkout for 97 transactions since December 2025 Credit: Haystack.tv

According to the Cape Coral Police Department, the 67-year-old scanned a cheap noodle barcode while bagging far more expensive groceries.

Cops say the alleged scheme stretched back to December 2025 at the Publix on Santa Barbara Boulevard South.

Investigators claim store bosses uncovered 97 fraudulent transactions involving around 360 items, leaving the supermarket more than $2,500 out of pocket.

Police said Crespo would scan a Maruchan ramen barcode – typically costing between 59 and 69 cents – instead of the actual items he was taking through selgf-checkout.

The alleged trick was spotted time and time again on surveillance footage, detectives said.

Store management reported the suspicious transactions , prompting a wider investigation by property crimes officers.

Cops say Crespo was later seen carrying out another theft on May 14 using the same method.

After reviewing surveillance video, detectives said they were able to positively identify him and establish probable cause for an arrest.

But the evidence didn’t stop there.

When officers searched Crespo after taking him into custody, they allegedly found multiple ramen noodle barcodes stuffed in his pockets, reports Gulf Coast News .

Police collected the barcodes as evidence.

Crespo was taken to the Lee County Jail and faces charges of grand theft and petit theft.

Police found multiple ramen noodle barcodes in Crespo’s pockets upon his arrest Credit: capecops.com Crespo faces grand theft and petit theft charges in Lee County Jail Credit: Haystack.tv

The Cape Coral Police Department said the investigation linked him to 97 reported thefts at the store.

It comes as major retailers across the US continue to ramp up anti-theft measures amid concerns over shoplifting and self-checkout fraud.

Retailers have increasingly turned to security tags, locked displays and advanced camera systems as they look to crack down on losses from theft.

Walmart has introduced a range of security tactics in some stores, including self-checkout cameras that can replay footage of customers scanning items, receipt checks at exits and more products locked behind glass cabinets.

Home Depot has also tightened security, with high-value power tools stored in locked cages, increased surveillance cameras and additional theft-prevention technology in some locations.