Golf Clubs Heist: $40,000 Worth of Stolen Goods Leads to Guilty Plea
Scottsdale Man Faces Justice After String of Thefts
In a bizarre yet alarming series of events, a man is now sitting behind bars after admitting to stealing nearly $40,000 worth of golf clubs from various stores across the Valley. Walter Dougoud, the man in question, pleaded guilty to three felony charges of organized retail theft on July 24, and he’s now looking at a sentencing date of August 21. You won’t believe the story behind the thefts that had local golf shop owners on high alert.
Crime Spree Across the Valley
The thefts came to light when Scottsdale Police launched an investigation into a series of incidents that occurred over several months. Believe it or not, these crimes unfolded at a staggering 11 different locations between March and June of this year. Dougoud initially faced 11 counts of theft, each one relating to a different incident. Some stores were hit multiple times, which intensified the concern within the community.
Michael Savoie, the president of Hornacek’s Golf Shop, shared just how unsettling it was for their business. “We want to bring a little hospitality to the golf industry, and it’s difficult when the first thing you’re thinking is, ‘Is this person gonna come in and walk out with our goods?’” Savoie said. And he wasn’t joking. One such incident occurred on March 6 when Dougoud swooped into Hornacek’s and snatched up $3,600 worth of golf clubs in broad daylight.
A Brazen Theft
“He grabbed seven of them and was looking around not at the merchandise, but at the staffing,” Savoie recounted. “He had seven of them in his hand and just walked out!” This wasn’t just any ordinary golf gear; we’re talking about the hottest clubs on the market—the AI Smoke Paradym drivers. As Savoie pointed out, these were the most sought-after drivers at the time!
The Impact: Changes in Operations
The aftermath of such brazen thefts forced Hornacek’s to rethink their operational strategies. “We’ve had to move things around so that everyone’s passing by the repair shop, allowing us to keep better eyes on them. We’ve also added extra cameras and additional staff to help with security,” Savoie explained. Now, these shops are more vigilant than ever, thanks to Dougoud’s selfish actions.
Behind the Motivation
But why was Dougoud risking it all for golf clubs? According to Scottsdale Police, his motive was simple: he intended to turn these stolen goods into cash, either through selling or trading them. “Mr. Dougoud was stealing these golf clubs to then pretty much make a profit, which fits the organized retail theft charge,” explained Sergeant Aaron Bolin from Scottsdale Police. Scary thought, right?
Purchasing Cautions
If you’re in the market for some golf clubs, you might want to keep an eye out for prices that seem too good to be true. “If you see a PGA Superstore charging a price, we’re all charging similar prices. If you can get a brand-new club for $200 less, that’s a red flag that the item might be stolen,” Savoie warned. It’s crazy that a simple shopping trip could lead to potential criminal associations!
A Bigger Investigation?
It gets even juicier, folks. Scottsdale police have not closed the book on this case just yet. They believe that Dougoud wasn’t acting alone and that there might be a male and female accomplice who were involved in at least some of the thefts. Who are these shadowy figures lurking behind the scenes?
For now, Dougoud is facing serious consequences for his actions, with his next court appearance scheduled this upcoming August. It’s a stark reminder of how one man’s greed can affect an entire community. Stay tuned as this story continues to develop!
