A Golf Club Heist: Man Sentenced for $40,000 Worth of Stolen Gear
In a plot twist that sounds straight out of a movie, a man has admitted to swiping nearly $40,000 worth of golf clubs from various stores across the Valley. Walter Dougoud, who is now behind bars, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of organized retail theft on July 24, leaving many in the golf community shaking their heads in disbelief.
A Crime Spanning the Valley
This wasn’t just a lone incident at one store; Dougoud’s theft spree impacted a handful of golf retailers scattered throughout the Valley. While the Scottsdale Police led the investigation, reports indicate that Dougoud had a busy thieving schedule, hitting different stores on 11 separate days from March to June. He initially faced a whopping 11 charges, one for each theft, but it seems he managed to stick to his favorite spots for reaping the rewards.
Hornacek’s Golf Shop: Ground Zero
One of the hardest hit stores was Hornacek’s Golf Shop in Scottsdale. Michael Savoie, the president of the shop, couldn’t believe what happened one fateful day in March. As he described it, “It was business as usual until a man walked in and stole $3,600 worth of golf clubs.” The clubs in question? The flashy and highly sought-after AI Smoke Paradym drivers. Savoie noted, “This was during a time when these clubs were the hottest thing in golf.”
Dougoud didn’t even try to hide his intentions. With seven drivers in hand, he casually walked out of the store, all while keeping an eye on the staff rather than the valuable merchandise. Talk about brazen!
The Fallout and Modifications
With thefts ringing up to a staggering $43,000 across all targeted shops, Savoie and other store owners quickly connected the dots. “We had to move things around to create better visibility,” he explained. Hornacek’s went as far as adding more cameras and increasing staffing to ensure this sort of crime wouldn’t happen again. “We want to bring a little hospitality to the golf industry, and it’s difficult when you’re worried about theft,” Savoie lamented.
The Motive Behind the Madness
So, what was Dougoud’s angle here? According to Scottsdale Police, he was allegedly stealing the golf clubs to turn them into cash or trade them for goods of value. “Mr. Dougoud was stealing these golf clubs to then go ahead and basically sell them or trade them for money,” said Sergeant Aaron Bolin of Scottsdale Police. This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “playing through.”
Red Flags for Golf Shoppers
Now, golf shoppers out there need to be cautious. If you browse at a shop and spot a brand-new club priced significantly lower than the usual retail figures, it might be time to raise an eyebrow. Savoie warned, “If you see a PGA Superstore charging a price, we’re all charging similar prices. If you can get that brand-new club for $200 less, that to me would be a red flag.” So, keep your eyes peeled, folks!
The Investigation Continues
While Dougoud is set for sentencing on August 21 at 8:30 a.m., the investigation isn’t entirely over. Police suspect the involvement of a male and female accomplice who may have aided in some of the thefts. As they continue their investigation, the lingering effects of this theft spree remind us all to keep our valuables safe.
This case serves as a wake-up call for all retailers and shoppers alike. Prioritizing security and vigilance is essential to avoid becoming the next victim of organized retail theft!
