Thief stuffs pants with cigarettes

Surveillance video caught a man stealing cartons of cigarettes from a 7-Eleven store in Virginia Beach.

Authorities say the suspect went into the back stockroom of the store in the 2200 block of Red Tide Road Friday afternoon, stuffed multiple cartons of cigarettes into his pants and then left the store.

"He could be using them for personal use because cigarettes are expensive, or he could be selling them to make a profit off of them at different flea markets and trade shows," said Officer Adam Bernstein, a police spokesperson.

Police are investigating a similar incident that happened at the 7-Eleven store in the 300 block of Lynn Shores Drive on August 16. Police say it appears the same suspect targeted both stores.

Bernstein thought this crime was a bit unusual. "I did find other reports of people just jumping over the counter and grabbing a bunch of packs and running out the door. These are the only two I was able to locate where the person concealed several cartons of cigarettes and walked out the door," said Bernstein.

In each case, police say $300 worth of cigarettes was taken.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his 40s. He can be seen in the photos attached to this story. Authorities say the suspect got away in a light colored four door car with a sunroof.

If you can help police in this case call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.