Golf Club Heist Takes a Swing at Scottsdale Shops
In a bizarre and brazen crime spree, a man has pled guilty to stealing nearly $40,000 worth of golf clubs from various stores around the Valley, leaving local business owners shaken. Walter Dougoud, the man at the center of this investigation, appeared in court on July 24 and accepted responsibility for three felony counts of organized retail theft.
The Great Golf Club Robbery
It all started on March 6, when Dougoud strolled into Hornacek’s Golf Shop in Scottsdale and casually walked out with $3,600 worth of top-of-the-line golf clubs. According to Michael Savoie, the president of Hornacek’s Golf, it was almost business as usual until Dougoud made his move. “These are the brand-new AI Smoke Paradym drivers—still very hot on the market,” Savoie explained. “He grabbed seven of them and just walked out. It was unbelievable!”
This wasn’t a one-time occurrence. Dougoud allegedly targeted several stores on 11 different days between March and June, executing a coordinated plan that allowed him to accumulate a staggering total of $43,000 in stolen goods.
A Collaborated Effort Leads to Arrest
As word spread among shop owners about the thefts, they began to communicate and piece together the puzzle. Thanks to their vigilance and collaboration, the Scottsdale Police stepped in to investigate. Dougoud was caught red-handed on July 16, just a stone’s throw away from where he had committed his previous crimes.
Savoie mentioned that their shop had to make operational adjustments due to the string of thefts. “We’ve had to move things around to where everyone passes past the repair shop so we can keep a better eye on things,” he said. “We’ve also ramped up surveillance with additional cameras and staff.”
The Motive Behind the Madness
So, what drove Dougoud to carry out such outrageous thefts? According to Sergeant Aaron Bolin from the Scottsdale Police, Dougoud’s goal was simple: profit. “Mr. Dougoud was stealing these golf clubs to then sell them or trade them for money or other items of value,” Bolin explained. It was this calculated approach that led to the organized retail theft charges.
Buyer Beware: Is Your Club Stolen?
As the case unfolds, there are concerns among retailers about how the stolen goods may be circulating in the market. If you come across a brand-new club being offered at a price that seems too good to be true, it could be a sign that it’s hot! “If you see a PGA Superstore charging a certain price, and you find a brand-new club for $200 less, that’s a big red flag,” Savoie warned. “You need to be cautious and think twice.”
Next Steps and Ongoing Investigations
The inquiry is far from over. Police are currently looking into the possibility of an accomplice, a man and woman who were believed to be involved in at least some of the thefts. Dougoud’s sentencing is scheduled for August 21 at 8:30 a.m., and the community is eager to see what consequences he’ll face for his actions.
With golf season on the horizon, local shops are hopeful that their new security measures will put an end to the threat of theft, allowing them to focus on delivering great service to golf enthusiasts without the nagging worry of theft looming overhead.
This unusual saga sheds light not only on the challenges faced by retailers in the Valley but also serves as a reminder of the lengths some will go to in pursuit of quick cash. It’s a story that makes you think twice before buying that attractively priced golf club!
