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PD: Goodyear shoplifter may be linked to thefts in 5 other cities

PD: Goodyear shoplifter may be linked to thefts in 5 other cities
Posted at 1:36 PM, Sep 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-13 16:36:36-04

A man arrested for shoplifting in Goodyear may be responsible for thefts in five other Valley cities including Chandler, Peoria, Phoenix, Tempe and Surprise.

Goodyear police report that on September 7, they arrested 33-year-old Matthew Steve Speck for thefts at Walmart and Target in Goodyear.

Police say the thefts occurred from July 19 to August 26. Speck would allegedly use a large item like a tote, basket or hamper to conceal electronics items like modems and routers. He would usually leave the store out of the back emergency doors and leave on a skateboard before getting into an awaiting car.

Police say surveillance video shows Speck as the man responsible for the thefts at each store. As video and still photos were sent to other agencies, he was recognized as someone who could be responsible for thefts in five other Valley cities. Speck reportedly accumulated over $18,000 in products from all the stores.

Goodyear police were able to get a license plate number of the car used to transport Speck from the stores. Police located and questioned the driver who named Speck as the suspect.

Speck has an extensive record in California for theft, mail theft, fraud and other crimes. 

He was arrested near 83rd Avenue and McDowell Road and is facing multiple charges of shoplifting and retail theft.