Kansas City, Mo. – A Summer of Sunglass Heists
Kansas City was buzzing with summer activities, but not all of it was sunshine and fun. In a rather surprising turn of events, one woman is behind bars after a series of sunglasses thefts that left a local retail chain reeling. Yes, you read that right – a whopping $50,000 worth of glasses vanished from stores in the area over just a few months!
A Sneaky Summer Start
It all began on June 4, when the local Sunglass Hut at 7286 NW 86th Pl. in Zona Rosa reported a theft. Around 1:45 p.m., two women strolled into the store, browsed a little, and then walked away with a dozen pairs of sunglasses, costing a total of $4,824. Talk about a quick getaway!
Store personnel quickly alerted law enforcement, who arrived to review surveillance footage, which captured the theft in action. This footage would play a crucial role in identifying the culprits in the following weeks.
Escalating Thievery
Just a week later, on June 13, one of the women returned to the store, this time with a new accomplice. The duo was on a mission, snatching 17 more pairs of sunglasses totaling $5,366. Once again, they left without paying and were caught red-handed on film.
But the summer didn’t end there for them or local investigators. The thefts continued into July, with several more heists reported. By the end of the month, police identified the main suspect as Tijazala McGrone, a 24-year-old Kansas City resident, thanks to her distinctive large bow tattoo on her chest. Each theft was meticulously documented on surveillance footage, making it a piece of cake for the detectives.
Live Streaming the Crime
In a strange twist, during the fourth theft on July 31, investigators stumbled upon McGrone on a live stream where she openly admitted she was about to steal more sunglasses. The audacity! According to the Regional Manager of Investigations for both Sunglass Hut and Lens Crafters, McGrone was linked to a total of eight thefts between May 9, 2023, and July 31, 2024. Collectively, these thefts amounted to a staggering $50,915.
The Tallies and Arrest
Of the stolen items, approximately $26,472 worth of sunglasses were taken from Platte County, while the rest found their way out of Jackson County. It was a significant loss for the retailers.
Finally, on September 10, at around 7:20 a.m., McGrone was apprehended at her home when police acted on outstanding warrants. The authorities booked her into the Platte County Detention Center on four counts of stealing.
Facing the Music
During an interview with detectives, McGrone reportedly admitted to being one of the thieves in each of the recorded incidents. This resulted in her remaining behind bars with a bond set at $50,000. Her arraignment happened on September 11, and a pivotal hearing is on the calendar for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, in front of Judge Abe Shafer.
As the details gradually unfold, this case serves as a reminder of how quickly things can turn from a summer of fun to a serious legal issue. The residents of Kansas City will undoubtedly keep their eyes peeled and hope for a swift resolution to this rather unusual saga.
