Golf Thief Jumps into Trouble After $40,000 Club Heist
Scottsdale Man Faces Justice for Major Golf Equipment Theft
Hey there, golf lovers! If you’re in the Scottsdale area, you might want to sit down for this one. A local man named Walter Dougoud has found himself in some serious hot water after pleading guilty to stealing nearly $40,000 worth of golf clubs from various retail stores across the Valley. This chap doesn’t just have a penchant for birdies; he seems to have had a greater talent for lifting clubs right off the shelves!
The Breakdown of the Crime
Walter, who is now waiting for his day in court, admitted to three felony counts of organized retail theft on July 24. It’s worth noting that he initially faced 11 counts, each one tied to a specific theft. Some days saw him hitting the same store more than once, which just goes to show that he had quite a busy schedule!
The theft spree spanned from March to June and included a staggering total of 11 different stores. According to the reports, his favorite pick? The AI Smoke Paradym drivers, which were the hottest thing in golf at the time! Those babies sell for around $3,600, and let’s just say, Walter was very eager to get his hands on them.
A Sneaky Operation
Here’s a peek into one of his brazen escapades: On March 6, Walter waltzed into Hornacek’s Golf Shop in Scottsdale, casually grabbed seven premium drivers, and just made a beeline for the exit. The store owner, Michael Savoie, described the scene, saying, “He was looking around not at the merchandise, but he was looking at the staffing.”
Because of this ordeal, local businesses like Hornacek’s have had to undergo major changes to protect their assets. “We’ve had to move things around to where everyone passes past the repair shop so we can get better eyes on them. We’ve added additional cameras and more staff to watch over the customers,” Savoie explained.
The Motivations Behind the Heist
According to the Scottsdale Police, it seems Walter wasn’t just a golf aficionado; he was a man on a mission. “Mr. Dougoud was stealing these golf clubs to then go ahead and basically sell them or trade them for money or other things of value,” shared Sergeant Aaron Bolin. This is why he faced that serious charge of organized retail theft.
Spotting Stolen Goods
Now, if you’re in the market for some golf gear, you might want to keep your eyes peeled. Savoie warns, “If you see a PGA Superstore charging a price, we’re all charging similar prices. If you’re able to get that brand-new club for $200 less, that to me would be a red flag that the item is stolen.”
What’s Next for Walter?
Currently, the investigation is still ongoing, and police suspect that Walter may have had some help in his nefarious activities. They are on the lookout for a man and woman who were reportedly with him during some of these thefts.
As for Walter, his sentencing is set for August 21 at 8:30 a.m.. Let’s hope he’s ready to face the music! In the meantime, local golf shops are putting extra measures in place to ensure their clubs stay right where they belong – on the shelves and not in anyone’s pockets.
So next time you’re out shopping for golf gear, remember to keep your wits about you! You never know who might be lurking with sticky fingers.
