FORT MYERS, Fla. — Two women stole over $1,000 worth of baby formula from two Publix stores on Summerlin Road in Fort Myers.
“As a mom, having gone through knowing what it looks like when a shelf is bare, it’s sickening that someone would do that for their own gain,” said Megan Blake, who stated her son was on formula not long ago and it was heartbreaking when she couldn’t find it on the shelves.
“It flashes back to the COVID days when you could only shop at limited times and there were limited supplies and that was really difficult, he was really young, he was a baby during that time, he was on formula,” Blake explained.
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers said the two women who stole all that formula left in a white Honda Odyssey.
Trish Routte with SWFL Crime Stoppers said formula has become a prime target for thieves because it’s expensive and in high demand.
“If they sell it at even ten dollars a can, that’s half price, so they know they’re going to make some money and consumers who do need this product, they’re going to get it at a discounted rate,” explained Routte.
It leaves families who still buy formula off the shelves with very few options.
“They just started taking can after can of Similac and Enfamil and they were hiding it in their clothing and walked out the store like nothing happened,” Routte said.
While Publix might be paying the price now, it’s going to be parents shelling out more cash to feed their babies.
“The consumers going to end up paying the price because that $19-20 can of Enfamil is now going to be $23,24,25,” emphasized Routte.
To help investigators catch these accused shoplifters, keep an eye out on social media. That’s often where these products are re-sold for a quick buck.
“Maybe they’re somebody’s neighbor, somebody maybe has seen something on Facebook Marketplace, where someone selling baby formula for maybe $10-12 as opposed to the $20 you’re paying in the store,” said Routte.
If you have any information, call SWFL Crime Stoppers or submit an online tip here. You can stay anonymous and earn a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.