One Valley pet shop is so fed up with theft, they’ve installed cameras and have taken to social media to expose shoplifters.
Custom Creatures located near 19th and Peoria avenues said their cameras were rolling during another incident Saturday night.
Store owner Jordan Moores said a couple came into his store around 6 p.m. and spent approximately 30 minutes snooping around.
"Well it happens and all you can do is try and do your best to keep people as honest as you can," Moores said.
Moores said the cameras caught one of the suspects trying to open exotic creature cages including the exotic Blue Tegu, a Green tree python and an endangered lizard.
"They were unable to get into any cages, but they tried they try to go to several cages on multiple accounts," Moores said.
The creatures range in price from $500 to $1,000.
Moores said the couple loaded up their arms with assorted items and can be seen turning their backs to the camera with the items.
Seconds later the couple’s hands are empty and they head for the door.
"Mid-sentence when I noticed the folks who had an arm load of stuff, no longer did, they we're leaving," Moores said.
Moores said a quick search of their inventory revealed at $60 in bulbs and heating pads were missing.
Late Monday afternoon, a couple claiming to be the people in the video contacted ABC15.
They both said the video is a huge misunderstanding and they are even willing to pay for the items that are reported missing.
ABC15 repeatedly asked for an on-camera interview but those requests were declined.
Moores has filed a theft report with Phoenix Police.
