King Soopers Robber Strikes 8 Times In Lakewood, Littleton

LITTLETON, CO -- He's been called the "hipster bandit" and the "King Soopers bandit," and now the FBI is calling him the “Secret Shopper Bandit.” The same 'bro-looking white male, usually wearing sunglasses and a backwards baseball cap and often pretending to chat on a cell phone, has robbed grocery stores in Lakewood and Littleton eight times since July. The FBI describes him as "a white male, 25 to 35 years of age, approximately 6' tall, with a medium build, and facial hair." An average haul: The shades-wearing robber has walked away with between $1,400-$3,000 every time.

The most recent robbery took place Jan. 7 at 4:50 p.m. at the Littleton King Soopers at 9820 W. Belleview Ave. in Littleton.

According to the FBI, other incidences were:

- 7/18/17, 6:05 p.m., King Soopers at 1545 S. Kipling St. in Lakewood
- 7/21/17, 7:10 p.m., King Soopers at 1927 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood
- 9/5/17, 7:40 p.m., King Soopers at 1927 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood
- 10/25/17, 7:21 p.m., King Soopers at 1927 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood
- 11/5/17, 5:43 p.m., King Soopers at 1927 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood
- 12/16/17, 4:31 p.m., King Soopers at 1545 S. Kipling St. in Lakewood
- 12/29/17, 5:03 p.m., King Soopers at 1927 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood

"In each incident the suspect approached the service desk and waited for it to be clear of other people before contacting the cashier, he often appears to be talking on the phone while he waits for his opportunity," said a statement from Crime Stoppers. The man hands the desk employee a tote bag with a note announcing the robbery and telling them to fill the bag with money so they won't be hurt. No weapons have been displayed, the FBI's statement said. Robberies have occurred between 6 and 8 p.m., police said.

Crime Stoppers offered a $3,000 reward for information on the Secret Shopper Bandit.

On Friday, Lakewood Police tweeted "Someone has to know this guy. Can you help us identify him before someone gets hurt?"

Anyone with information is requested to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, or Lakewood Det. Jon Holloway 303-987-7823 or jholloway@lakewoodco.org.

Other Patch coverage: King Soopers Robber Strikes A Fifth Time In Lakewood

Images via Lakewood Police Dept.