UPDATE: One day after police asked for help in apprehending the Lakeland condom bandit, cops arrested a high school student for the $6.49 theft. The teen's buddy, though, was not charged, according to a criminal complaint.

Cops And Rubbers

Florida police need your help to bag pair of condom thieves

MAY 22--Police in Polk County, Florida are seeking the public's assistance in nabbing two young men who are suspected of stealing a box of Trojan condoms from a Sears store. Yes, that's what apparently passes for an all-points bulletin in Lakeland. Seems like the prophylactics were boosted during the pair's May 13 visit to the Sears Essential store on South Florida Avenue, according to a Crime Stoppers leaflet distributed yesterday. The handout, a copy of which you'll find below, includes a surveillance photo of the men, one of whom appears to be carrying the blue Trojans box in his left hand. Tipsters, who are guaranteed anonymity, are asked to call a toll-free hotline. If your information helps crack the condom caper, a cash reward may be in your future. (3 pages)

Join TSG's mailing list.

E-mail story to a friend.