Prolific Florida Shoplifter Nabbed in DuPage Co. Hobby Lobby Burglary

A 49-year-old South Florida man faces a burglary charge for attempting to steal paintbrushes from a Hobby Lobby in Lombard.

It’s not the first time Ignatius Pollara, of Tamarac, FL, has been accused of shoplifting. Pollara, who has been referred to as one of South Florida’s most prolific shoplifters, was arrested in 2012 after he was convicted of stealing $2 million in merchandise from Toys “R” Us stores, according to ABC News.

He served two years in jail for those thefts. And was accused of stealing from 139 Toys “R” Us locations in 27 states, according to CNN.

And now, he faces charges in DuPage County after authorities said he attempted to steal paint brushes from a Hobby Lobby in Lombard on July 3.

“It is alleged that while in the Hobby Lobby, Pollara took paintbrushes and hid them in his pants near the small of his back,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin in a Thursday press release. “It is further alleged that after doing so, Pollara attempted to leave the store at which time he was apprehended.”

Bond was set at $125,000 Thursday and Pollara is charged with one count of burglary.

DuPage and Cook County authorities were alerted last week that Pollara was planning a trip to the Chicago area from Florida, according to the news release.

“Every year, retail theft is responsible for millions of dollars in losses to businesses across the country,” Berlin said in the news release. “These losses not only affect the business in lost sales and added security expenses, but also burden law enforcement, cost consumers more for goods and cost communities lost sales tax dollars.”

Pollara’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 27 in front of Judge Brian Telander.