Golf Clubs Heist: Local Man Allegedly Steals $40,000 Worth of Equipment!
Scottsdale, AZ – In a shocking turn of events, a man has admitted to stealing nearly $40,000 worth of golf clubs from various retailers across the Valley. Walter Dougoud took the plunge in court by pleading guilty to three felony counts of organized retail theft on July 24, after police were hot on his heels for months. While the Scottsdale Police took charge of the investigation, the thefts spanned multiple locations throughout the region, creating a state of panic among golf shop owners.
The Heist Unfolds
Picture this: it’s a regular day at a local golf shop, and suddenly a thief makes off with a hefty stack of luxury golf gear. That’s exactly what happened on March 6, when Dougoud waltzed into a golf store and snagged $3,600 worth of golf clubs in the blink of an eye. Michael Savoie, the president of a prominent golf shop, recounted how Dougoud grabbed seven of the hottest new drivers, the AI Smoke Paradym, all while keeping an eye on the staff rather than the merchandise. It was a bold move that sent shivers down the spines of business owners.
Between March and June, Dougoud hit up 11 different golf shops—sometimes more than once—wracking up a staggering total of $43,000 in stolen equipment. After several owners shared their experiences, they began to notice a pattern and reported the activities, leading to a swift investigation and ultimately, the arrest of Dougoud on July 16.
Changes on the Field
In the aftermath of these brazen thefts, golf shops are stepping up their game to prevent future heists. Savoie mentioned that due to the alarming situation, his store has had to make significant operational adjustments. They’re now placing equipment in areas where attentive staff can keep an eye on customers more effectively. Plus, they’ve added extra cameras and even increased their staffing to act as a deterrent to sticky-fingered patrons.
The consequences of organized retail theft can be far-reaching; it disrupts business practices and creates an environment of distrust. As Savoie put it, “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?’”
The Motive Behind the Madness
According to authorities, Dougoud didn’t just have the thrill of the theft in mind; it seems his ultimate goal was to profit from his loot. Sergeant Aaron Bolin from the local police explained, “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.” His method of operation raises red flags—a clear indication that he had no qualms about exploiting unsuspecting retailers.
Shop Smart: Look Out for Scams
With sales of such high-value items, potential buyers are urged to be cautious. If you stumble upon a brand-new golf club being sold for a notably lower price, this might just be a sign of the underhanded dealings that took place. Savoie advises shoppers to remain vigilant, stating, “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.”
Next Steps
The investigation isn’t over yet, as authorities believe that Dougoud may have had a companion—a man and a woman—who were involved in some of the thefts. Dougoud’s upcoming sentencing date is set for August 21 at 8:30 a.m., and golf shop owners are hoping their worries will soon be a thing of the past. Until then, community members and store owners alike will be keeping a watchful eye, hoping this is the last they hear of golf clubs flying off the shelves.
