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85-Year-Old Shoplifter Save Email Print
Three pieces of candy
Posted: 3:24 PM Nov 21, 2008
 Last Updated: 4:35 PM Nov 21, 2008
 Reporter: Gary Smollen
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
68 comments
A | A | A

An 85-year old Heartland man has been ticketed for shoplifting. The take, three pieces of Brach's candy.

It all happened early on Thursday, November 6th at the Hy-Vee at 90th and Center.

According to the police report, 85-year old Carl Troja was observed taking three pieces of the "pay per pound" Brach loose candy. The value of the candy is 25-cents.

Store management told the responding officers Troja regularly swipes pieces of the Brach's display, and they have repeated told Troja he is stealing, and that they would call police if it continued.

Thursday November 6th they did.

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Posted by: Charlie on Nov 28, 2008 at 05:54 PM
To all you people who are pissed at Hy-Vee. Don't you know anything?? If they let this guy get away with it then they have to raise their prices to make up for it. I was reading that grocery stores have a 1% profit margin, so that guy stealing $.25 worth of candy has to be made up with $25 somewhere else. That additional $25 is going to come in the way of raising prices. Every store no matter how big or how small should prosecute every shoplifter no matter the dollar amount or the person's age. The more people steal the higher prices are going to go. Of course I also read that 75% of adults are guilty of shoplifting sometime in their lifetimes. You should be thanking Hy-Vee for standing up to people like this.
Posted by: Gramps on Nov 24, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Just goes to show how demoralized we are in this world. There is no longer any compassion, especially for trivial actions by all. I bet Hy-Vee doesn't blink an eye when their checkers or scanners over charge us for our groceries that have become victim of todays terrible economy with higher prices. I wonder how much money the old man spent each time he went through the check out. The old man lived a life when times were more gentle, yet times that were very hard, and now when history tends to repeat itself. This whole thing was a huge waste of time and effort for everyone involved. I'd look at the candy as the old timers senior citizens discount. The store manager could be wet behind the ears and didn't read his history book and never gave a crud about his own grandperents. While you were reading this a guy just put a bottle of booze under his coat and walked out. DOH!
Posted by: Ann on Nov 24, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Really, HyVee? With random shootings & armed robberies rampant on the streets of Omaha, you thought it was worth tying up OPD's time to cite an old man for stealing 25 cents worth of candy? I was looking for a reason to stop shopping at this Hy Vee location. Thanks for making my mind up for me. I'll be spending my $400 a month at another grocery store. And to all of the people who are believe this man whould be imprisoned for his "crime:" What if this was YOUR dad or grandfather? Oh, I see . . THAT'S different, isn't it? Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Chris on Nov 24, 2008 at 08:09 AM
I will gladly give Hy-Vee 5 bucks a year for this man and himn taking 3 pieces of candy every couple of weeks. He is probably a little out of the sorts at his age. Let me know where to send the 5 bucks... that ought to cover him for the year. I am sure more thatn 3 peices of candy get dropped on the floor more than once a day.
Posted by: Jason on Nov 24, 2008 at 07:27 AM
Good for Hy-Vee! Who cares how much it is or how old he is. Theft is theft no matter what. And to those of you who say Hy-Vee should have had a heart, they did! According to the story, they warned him a number of times yet he made the choice to keep stealing the candy. They did not have to give him repeated warnings! I will give Hy-Vee more of my business now for standing up for what is right!
Posted by: Sara on Nov 23, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Everyone complains about prices going so high. Don't you think that it would LOWER prices if we all didn't have to pay for everyone else's five finger discount? Stealing is stealing period. It shouldn't matter how old he is. If everyone came in the store and took only 25 cents worth of candy it would really add up. Don't you think the Hy-Vee employees have families to feed as well?
Posted by: LLR on Nov 23, 2008 at 06:30 PM
I tend to agree with the store; he has been doing this regularly and was warned. As far as the "free banana", figure out how many average-sized bananas constitute a pound and divide the cost per pound by that number and charge the woman for the banana peel. I can honestly say I have never done anything like this in almost 50-years (though I read about it happening in New York and L.A. and big cities); as kids we didn't do it when shopping with our mom, either. Our favorite thing was to touch the beef tongues and the tripe through the plastic wrapping in the meat case. And free samples handed out at the grocery store as a promotion don't count as thievery.
Posted by: J from Bennington on Nov 23, 2008 at 05:17 PM
When I was growing up, Brach's used to have a place to pay by the piece right by the display. I'll hazard a guess that the old man is still thinking back to those days when it was legal to eat a couple of pieces but pay for them on the spot. I'll also hazard a guess that the man has a mild case of Alzheimer's, and warned or not, did what he's being doing for years. I understand HyVee's point of view; technically the man is stealing. However, had I been standing behind the man, I would have volunteered to pay for that candy and whatever HyVee thought they were out to cut him a break. I personally don't like the 90th & Center store, the few times I've been in to pick up something on the way home from work. Limited selection, antiquated scanners, not very nice personnel when I can't find things. I think this is a public relations black eye for HyVee.
Posted by: Ally on Nov 23, 2008 at 04:06 PM
I can't believe all you people saying you'll never shop at HyVee again. He was warned, and stealing is stealing. Just because he's old doesn't give him a free pass.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 23, 2008 at 10:54 AM
HE'S BEEN WARNED, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE IF HE'S OLD OR YOUNG?? DON'T BLAME THE STORE FOR DOING THIER JOB. HY-VEE IS STILL A GREAT STORE! FOR YOU OTHERS WHO WANT TO SHOP ELSEWHERE, ENJOY CRAPPY SERVICE!
Posted by: Anonymouse on Nov 23, 2008 at 09:47 AM
To everyone defending this man, please state what your acceptable level of moral theft is. It's obvious you condone stealing, so at what level does it become immoral? Is it okay to steal a full package of candy? How about drinking a soda and ditching the bottle in another aisle? Or take a shopping cart home; they're so useful, and the store has so many. If you need a ride and can't afford a cab, is it okay to steal a car as long as you don't hurt anyone? It was what those three girls did to that baby in a car seat that got the public mad, not the mere car theft. Even then, if you scare the witness out of testifying, you're not guilty in the eyes of the law, so it's all okay. Yep, three pieces of candy can be used to justify any crime. Everyone defending this man should be jailed for encouraging and abetting him.
Posted by: lisa on Nov 23, 2008 at 09:11 AM
This is what happens in a society when there is confusion about what is really right and what is really wrong. The lines getted blurred when it really is obvious- stealing is stealing.
Posted by: Amber on Nov 23, 2008 at 04:31 AM
some old people dont exactly know what they are doing is wrong. Give the man a break...seriously!
Posted by: HappyGirl on Nov 23, 2008 at 04:22 AM
Geeeeez!! Let the old man have his candy!! I can't believe that someone would waste time on fining someone for 3 pieces of candy. Heck, he should get free candy just for being 85; that's a long good life! hahahahahaha!!! I hope I live that long!! Sounds to me like someone has nothing better to do at that store; so they pick on 85 year olds and then feel superior!! hehe!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 23, 2008 at 01:09 AM
Well done, stealing is stealing. If the old guy has senile dementia, they'll probably just dismiss it to pre-trial diversion, and order him to get medical help as a condition. However, if he's just a crook, then hammer him like he was 30.
Posted by: JW on Nov 23, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Ya know, the same thing happened to my brother back when we were teenagers. I think it was less than a dollar worth of the Pick-a-mix candies, only at Walgreens. Ended up going to court and paying a fine. Shoplifting is shoplifting. Needless to say, he's never done it again. (by the way, those grapes you "taste" while walking through the store are also stolen items, even though you are paying for the rest of the bunch)
Posted by: Jose on Nov 22, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Throw the book at him. Stupid old goat, and they complain about us young.
Posted by: wow on Nov 22, 2008 at 01:08 PM
I guess I never thought of an elderly person as having a shoplifting problem, but I'm sure it happens. I hope he learns his lesson.
Posted by: Annie on Nov 22, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I am apalled that Hy Vee called the police on an 85 year old man for stealing a few pieces of candy even if regularly. Maybe they better start arresting all the people who eat the grapes and other loose bite size fruit regularly as well. Sounds like they are being petty to make some point. Well they did, I am going to Bakers to shop.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 22, 2008 at 08:46 AM
HyVee has lost my business.
Posted by: Reality Czech on Nov 22, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Now that he's in the system, let's examine if this is a case of senile dementia or of need. I've read other stories about senior citizens resorting to shoplifting food because they are broke after paying for prescriptions and utilities. I'd like to know more about this 85 year old's motivation to steal candy.
Posted by: J on Nov 22, 2008 at 03:56 AM
Many people may think "really, you called the cops for $0.25." But think about it; If everyone that walked into that store stole 3 pieces of candy can you imagine what that would add up to in time not to mention even in just one day? Since he has been warned many times I think that it was the right thing to do...call the cops...
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Hey Hy-Vee, grow a heart...
Posted by: barney on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:37 PM
There's no excuse. Just because he is 85 and it's only candy, this doesn't mean he can continue to get fat off the sweat of the rest of us. We pay enough for his pension and social security. Those are two things many of us will never have. It's time for the greatest generation to stop taking us.
Posted by: matt on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:29 PM
exactly why is this news???
Posted by: Ryan on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:12 PM
People, we cannot allow this disregard of the law to continue. Why is it so shocking? Is it because of his age? Why does that matter? Is it because THIS time he "only" took 3 pieces of candy? So when does it become "acceptable" to ticket him, when he steals a steak? a case of beer? or maybe we will just wait until he holds up the store with his cane. First time I can see, second time, fine, I get it. But really, people are actually upset after time and time of warnings? Go to directly to jail, do not pass AARP, do not collect socail security. :)
Posted by: Keith on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Petty theft takes a new low.
Posted by: Ben on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Hey.... Barney Fife is alive and well and works at Hy Vee on 90th and Center. Old folks...picket that store!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Now thats some SERIOUS police work! GOOD JOB GUYS! lmao
Posted by: anon~ on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:31 PM
All this over a quarter's worth of candy? Don't get me wrong, theft is theft despite value, unfortunately this old man got caught.
Posted by: Tim on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:51 PM
3 pieces of Brachs candy? Give me a break.
Posted by: sam on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Why would someone keep stealing after being told not to?Where do you draw the line on how much theft is too much?It is against the law isn't it?
Posted by: Concerned on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:33 PM
WOW! What a waste!
Posted by: mTm on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:16 PM
It is the cost of doing business HyVee. If he is there buying food so what about three pieces of candy. The backlash from this type of media coverage will never offset the money saved from a 85 year old costingyou $.25 once or twice a week. I'll buy my turkey elsewhere now, there you go HyVee.
Posted by: Family owed on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Nice family owened hy vee stor e busten a 85 year old for candy. If it was a 5 year old they wouldnt do that . They shouldnt leave candy out in the open that way. Hy vee is over priced any way . ill never shop there again.
Posted by: Obed on Nov 21, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Having an 85 year old man ticketed for shoplifting over 25 cents of candy? Not exactly the best advertising for the store. Won't it have been better to escort him around the store to do his stopping or even escort him outside. By the age of 85 mental problems may well exist. This goes along with the deliverly man that got in trouble for stealing peanuts that was in the news some time ago. Years ago I told my entire family to NEVER "sample" anything in a grocery store. A peanut,piece of candy,or any small eatible can lead to thief charges.
Posted by: DAVE on Nov 21, 2008 at 07:00 PM
STEALING IS STEALING.
Posted by: Chris on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Hy-Vee is very generous with samples (which also cost money) and customer service. With so many discounts aimed at our seniors, I would imagine we could probably give away a pound to everyone on their 85th birthday without needing government bailout money. These security people should probably relax.
Posted by: JD on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Kinda like sin, big or little its still sin or stealing
Posted by: Chris on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Why do I have this premonition that James Martin Davis will be involved in this case? My mind is locked on the thought that JMD will argue Hy-Vee actually loses money on such small purchases, so Mr. Troja was unselfishly saving the store money each time he pocketed a few pieces of candy. It's a win-win arrangement, and Mr. Troja should be allowed to steal more, I mean, pocket a few candies any time he's in the store. Please don't blame me for this idea; it's only my premonition of JMD's idea.
Posted by: bob on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:12 PM
It doesn't matter how much the item's cost that were stolen. This grown adult knew he was stealing and kept stealing.
Posted by: Samey Same on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Stealing is stealing. They tried to warn him, and he just ignored them.
Posted by: D on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Good for HyVee. When you take something of value,even if it's only 25c, it is stealing. Years ago I worked as a cashier at another grocery store. A woman with a toddler in the cart came thru my line and handed me a banana peel. Most fruit prices are per pound, not by each. I asked her how was I supposed to charge her for the eaten banana. She didn't know, her kid was "hungry". So, feed the kid before you go to the store. Her kid got a free banana. I hope he had diarrhea for days after that. I hope this old guy lost a filling or two by eating those Brach's carmel-karma!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Will they treat him as a repeat offender? I'm sure they have video of each theft.
Posted by: D on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:36 PM
I guess he did not believe they wouldn't call the police this time like all the others, and at his age he should be setting a good example for the rest of us.
Posted by: JP on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:33 PM
What joke... I'll donate three dollars to Hy-Vee to fund this geisers candy swiping for the rest of his life. As if the police don't have better things to be responding to!
Posted by: Billy on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:30 PM
If he was warned...oh well. He's an adult. Being older doesn't give you the right to steal. Quarter or a quarter thousand.
Posted by: Laurie on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Stealing is stealing no matter how large or small the item. I'd say after being warned, he had it coming.
Posted by: Really? on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:19 PM
He probably is senile and doesn't realize what he is doing is wrong. Leave him alone!
Posted by: Lori on Nov 21, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Good grief! It could have been turned into a random act of kindness from the manager or an employee. The manager or any of the employees could have paid for it and told the man, "I'll get that for you toady! Have a nice day." Instead the treat an old man like this. I hope they are treated exactly the same when they are 85.
Posted by: dave on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:58 PM
I understand the principle here, and they did warn him in advance. Why not remove him from the store and tell him to shop somewhere else? What a waste of police resources to ticket this man.
Posted by: Charles on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:39 PM
I should probably turn myself in for stealing too..I always take a couple of the deli sandwich samples that they have up on top of the deli case.
Posted by: Ray on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:14 PM
C'MON......your kidding right.....you over charge on so much...not very smart publicity....gimmie a break.....and Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:12 PM
What a waste of police time. It's an 85 year old man stealing 25 cents worth of candy! Lighten up Hy-Vee!!!
Posted by: Cuzin Jedd on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Give me his address, I will buy and send him a few pounds for Christmas.
Posted by: SAL on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:04 PM
This crime can't be tolerated. It starts with petty shoplifting but before you know it he'll start stealing cheese. That just opens the floodgates and before you know it senior citizens will start stealing bread. Give him the chair to send a message to all those candy thieving seniors. I know he's been warned but who cares? Is this really the most pressing issue that the police have to deal with? Maybe HyVee managers, having nothing better to do can go out in the parking lot and look for dropped change. I'm sure they'll find more than 25 cents and will actually come out ahead.
Posted by: Valerie on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:03 PM
You've got to be kiddin' me!! Arrested an 85 year old man for taking 3 pieces or more candy!! Come on, It probably cost the store all of what "maybe" 5 cents per piece! This 85 year old man could have a some memory loss and maybe has forgotten he was told not to steal candy. Maybe the next time (if he gets another chance!), have one of the clerks follow him and when and if he starts to take a piece of candy, he needs to be told right then and there to put the candy back not unless you are going to pay for it. You all shall have an elderly father someday. Would you want him to be arrested for taking a few pieces of candy?!?!?! GEEZ!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:02 PM
That's freaking ridiculous.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:01 PM
ARE YOU KIDDING????????
Posted by: citzen on Nov 21, 2008 at 04:00 PM
The old man did wrong, no doubt. I wonder if OPD tazed him.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Throw him in jail forever...dirty thief
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Wow, I guess I'd better be careful about that Brach's candy from now on!! Who does that to an 85-year-old man?
Posted by: Taxpayer on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Get a life Hy-vee
Posted by: Sandra on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Ok, so this is just plain ole' stupid..Where there is a helpful smile huh?! I WILL NOT BE SHOPPING AT THIS STORE!!! Yes, stealing is stealing, but come on 25cents...managment couldn't afford to pick up the tab, i am sure he spends more than that in this store. KINDA MAKES ME NOT WANT TO SHOP AT ANY HY-VEE, AND I AM A LOYAL HY-VEE SHOPPER
Posted by: John on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Give him a break Hy-Vee.....have some heart.
Posted by: BJ on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Good Grief! HyVee has lost my business.
Posted by: Mike on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:28 PM
At first I was shocked at the fact that they ticketed this man until I read that he's a regular at it. $.25 a piece adds up over time....hopefully he won't continue now.
Posted by: Staci on Nov 21, 2008 at 03:27 PM
You are kidding me.
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