Watch Out, Golfers: A Thief in the Ranks!
In a dramatic twist of events, a notorious figure in the golf world has been caught red-handed. A man has pled guilty to stealing nearly $40,000 worth of golf clubs from various shops in the area, and the story keeps getting wilder! Walter Dougoud, the accused, has been charged with three felony counts of organized retail theft. This rollercoaster of events unfolded in court when he made his guilty plea on July 24, leading to his arrest. Can you imagine losing all that equipment to sheer theft?
The Great Club Heist
Scottsdale Police took charge of this investigation, but the thefts weren’t limited to just one location. Instead, they spanned across the entire Valley! Dougoud was originally facing an astounding 11 counts, each representing a separate theft. The audacity! Amongst these incidents, he hit up multiple stores and really wreaked havoc for local golf shop owners.
One shop owner, who was targeted on multiple occasions, shared how theft has affected their business. “We want to bring a little hospitality to the golf industry, and it’s difficult when the first thing you’re thinking is, ‘Is this person gonna come in and walk out with our goods?’” This gripping thought has become a part of the daily grind in a world where tranquility should reign supreme.
March Madness
It all started on a seemingly normal day back in March, when Dougoud stormed into Hornacek’s Golf Shop. He snagged a jaw-dropping $3,600 worth of brand-new golf clubs—specifically the sought-after AI Smoke Paradym drivers, which were flying off the shelves at the time. Reportedly, Dougoud was eyeing the staff rather than the merchandise itself. Talk about being bold! He grabbed seven clubs and just walked out, leaving everyone in disbelief.
Between March and June, Dougoud’s spree resulted in a whopping $43,000 worth of stolen goods from 11 different stores. Business owners united, sharing their experiences and discovering the pattern of theft that led to the investigation. Finally, after a thorough investigation, Dougoud was tracked down and nabbed on July 16!
Operational Overhaul
As a precautionary measure due to the rampant thefts, Hornacek’s Golf Shop had to make serious changes. Michael Savoie, the president of Hornacek’s, shared that they had to up their game: “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 had to add additional cameras, we’ve had to add additional staffing.”
In Search of a Profit
It appears that Dougoud’s criminal behavior stemmed from a desire to cash in on these stolen clubs. According to Sergeant Aaron Bolin of the local police, “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, and that’s where the organized retail theft charge comes from.”
Buying Tips for Golfers
Now, if you are out hunting for a brand-new club, it might be wise to heed some advice. If you notice a store selling a brand-new club for a significantly lower price than everybody else, it could be a red flag. Savoie shared, “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.” Wise words for anyone hitting that green!
The Hunt Continues
Interestingly enough, the local police are still piecing together this puzzling case. There are whispers of a man and woman accomplices who might have helped Dougoud during his escapades. Keeping the community on high alert, Dougoud is scheduled for sentencing on August 21 at 8:30 a.m. Everyone is holding their breath to see what happens next!
Stay vigilant, golfers! This saga is far from over!
