Popular retailer closing doors for good over string of violent crime as gun-wielding robber caught on cam storming store - TalkLPnews Skip to content

Popular retailer closing doors for good over string of violent crime as gun-wielding robber caught on cam storming store

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A SHOE and apparel store is shutting down after being robbed multiple times, losing tens of thousands of dollars.

Last week, Kulture Kingz was the victim of a broad-day robbery that saw the business lose over $20,000 in a matter of minutes.

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Kulture Kingz is closing its doors for a while following an armed robbery last weekCredit: We Are Iowa
The thief made off with over $20,000 worth of merchandise in seven minutes

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The thief made off with over $20,000 worth of merchandise in seven minutesCredit: We Are Iowa
In October 2023, two crooks smashed into the front window and made their way inside

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In October 2023, two crooks smashed into the front window and made their way insideCredit: We Are Iowa
They made off with $10,000 worth of merchandise

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They made off with $10,000 worth of merchandiseCredit: We Are Iowa

The man who robbed the place entered the store around 5 pm on May 26.

He was in all black, wearing a mask with gloves, and pulled out a pistol as he walked in.

While inside, police say he took 49 single sneakers that were on display at the store, and also took six complete pairs as well.

He also stole designer clothes, bags, and other items that are still unaccounted for as the store owners haven’t finished sorting through the inventory.

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He did all of this within seven minutes before making his escape out of the store with multiple trash bags full of items.

Bradley Thompson Sr., who owns the storefront in Des Moines, Iowa, says not much cash was stolen since they don’t keep much at the store.

But all of the designer merchandise and expensive sneakers the crook made off with have so far totaled over $20,000 in stuff.

And as they keep checking their inventory following the robbery, this number just keeps increasing.

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“People who commit burglaries are a lot different than people who commit robberies,” said Des Moines Police Officer Paul Parizek.

“Stakes are a little higher when someone’s sticking a gun in your face and people who are willing to do that are usually actually willing to harm someone,” he continued.

“When you commit robbery with a firearm, that’s robbery in the first degree.”

This isn’t the first time that Kulture Kingz has been robbed either.

In October of 2023, the store was hit by an overnight burglary.

Intruders bashed through the front windows of the store before making off with nearly $10 thousand worth of merchandise.

In this instance, the thieves stole about 50 designer T-shirts, among other items of clothing and shoes before making their escape.

Following this last robbery at gunpoint, the store has decided to close its doors for good.

That is until they can find a new location, or at least they’re hoping.

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Thompson blames this recent situation, the October incident, and other issues like constant shoplifting as to why they’re closing and hoping to move.

Police say the man they’re looking for has not been found or identified.

Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers

Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.

  • Locking items in cabinets.
  • Security pegs.
  • Security cameras.
  • Signs warning about the impact of theft.
  • Receipt scanners.
  • Receipt checks.
  • Carts with locking technology

https://www.the-sun.com/news/11521241/kulture-kingz-des-moines-iowa-closing-robbery/