A man identified as Kevin Gauge has been arrested in St. Louis, Missouri, following a series of thefts from a recently opened Target store. Police say that Gauge, a known repeat offender, has a history of felony theft charges dating back several years. His latest arrest comes after surveillance footage linked him to multiple incidents at Target locations in the city.
Target Store Hit by Serial Shoplifter
The Target store on South Grand Avenue in St. Louis, which had only opened its doors to the public a month prior, became the site of several thefts perpetrated by Gauge. According to police reports, Gauge was caught on camera stealing several video games from the new Target location in July. This incident is just one in a string of thefts that Gauge has been connected to, as his criminal activity spans several years and includes multiple arrests.
Gauge’s Criminal History
Kevin Gauge is no stranger to law enforcement. His criminal record includes multiple theft-related charges, with some of these offenses resulting in felony convictions. In 2015, Gauge pleaded guilty to felony stealing, and just a year later, in 2016, he was found guilty of robbery. His involvement in theft continued over the years, leading to both jail time and probation. Despite these past convictions, Gauge has persisted in his criminal activities.
In 2022, Gauge was arrested by Manchester Police outside of a Walmart where he had stolen five Nintendo Switch consoles and Pokémon cards. This incident further solidified his reputation as a prolific shoplifter. Additionally, Gauge has an outstanding warrant in Shrewsbury for a separate theft at a Walmart location. These repeated offenses have contributed to his growing list of criminal charges.
Surveillance Footage Leads to Arrest
The investigation into Gauge’s activities at the new Target store on South Grand Avenue was significantly aided by the store’s surveillance system. Target employees, who were reviewing security footage after noticing suspicious activity, identified Gauge as the perpetrator of multiple thefts. The footage showed him wearing similar clothing at both the South Grand location and another Target store in the city, helping the police to establish a pattern of behavior.
The surveillance video revealed that Gauge had been involved in at least eight separate theft incidents at the two Target locations. This discovery prompted Target employees to notify the authorities, who then used the footage to track down and arrest Gauge.
Felony Charges Despite Theft Value
Interestingly, despite the value of the stolen goods not reaching the usual threshold for felony charges, Kevin Gauge is still facing felony theft charges. This decision was made based on the number of theft-related convictions in his criminal history. The Circuit Attorney’s Office has issued a felony theft charge against Gauge due to his extensive record of similar offenses.
The pattern of Gauge’s criminal behavior, along with his previous convictions, has led law enforcement to take these charges seriously. His arrest is seen as a significant step in curbing his ongoing criminal activities.
Law Enforcement Response
Police have praised the role of surveillance footage in this case, emphasizing its importance in identifying and apprehending repeat offenders like Gauge. The ability to tie multiple incidents together through video evidence was crucial in building a case against him. Law enforcement officials are continuing to review the footage and gather evidence to support the felony charges.
The St. Louis Police Department has stated that they will continue to work with local retailers to prevent and address retail theft. They are urging businesses to invest in high-quality surveillance systems and to remain vigilant in monitoring suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Kevin Gauge’s arrest marks the end of a series of thefts that plagued Target stores in St. Louis. His history of theft and the subsequent charges highlight the ongoing issue of retail theft in the area. With the help of surveillance technology and the diligence of store employees, law enforcement was able to bring Gauge to justice. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures in deterring and addressing criminal behavior in retail environments.
