PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — What started as unusual self-checkout transactions at local Publix and Lowe’s stores ended with the arrest of a Palm Beach Shores man accused of carrying out an elaborate barcode-switching theft scheme across Palm Beach County.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Kevin Lubic, 63, was arrested April 22 after investigators tied him to dozens of alleged retail thefts at multiple stores over several months. Authorities say the thefts followed a familiar pattern: Lubic would select high-priced merchandise, then scan lower-cost barcodes at self-checkout registers before leaving the store with the unpaid items.
In one investigation involving Lowe’s, deputies say Lubic carried out seven thefts at three stores in Royal Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Lake Park during an 18-day stretch in February. Investigators allege he concealed barcodes in his hand or inside a shopping cart, scanning those instead of the actual merchandise.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the alleged Lowe’s thefts resulted in a loss of $1,826.14. Surveillance video reportedly captured Lubic during each transaction, and store representatives provided sworn statements saying the company wanted to pursue charges. Investigators also say a sheriff’s deputy was able to identify Lubic after recognizing him from a separate traffic stop that occurred while the thefts were ongoing…