LAKELAND, Fla. – Polk County deputies are looking for a person of interest tied to a staggering number of thefts at a single Publix location over the course of seven months.
According to investigators, the suspect managed to walk out with merchandise on fifty separate occasions at the Publix located at 4747 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland.
The thefts, which began on April 1, 2025, and continued through November 5, 2025, involved the loss of approximately 278 individual items.
Detectives noted the persistence of the individual, who returned to the same store repeatedly to bypass the checkout. Case records indicate that while the individual items may have varied, the method of operation remained consistent throughout the year.
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The Sheriff’s Office has released images of the suspect and is asking the public for help with identification. Detective Blackman is leading the investigation and can be reached directly at (863) 292-3325 or via email at GBlackman@polksheriff.org.
For those who want to provide information but prefer to stay out of the spotlight, Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a potential cash reward for tips that lead to an arrest.
You can submit information anonymously by calling 1-888-400-TIPS, dialing **TIPS from a mobile device, or using the “P3tips” smartphone app. Tips can also be submitted through the Heartland Crime Stoppers website.
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