Woman stole lobster tails by stuffing them in her pants, DeLand police say

Nichole Reed arrested on charge of petit theft from merchant

Nichole Reed, 30.

DeLAND, Fla. – A 30-year-old woman was arrested on allegations of stealing seven lobster tails from a Publix in Volusia County by stuffing them down her pants.

Nichole Reed was arrested Wednesday on a charge of petit theft from a merchant.

Recommended Videos



According to DeLand police, Reed entered the Publix at 2400 South Woodland Boulevard just before 2 p.m. and stole the lobster tails, valued at $11.99 apiece.

The grocery store's loss prevention officer said he saw Reed conceal the items and leave the store without paying, according to DeLand police.

Reed was found near the store with the lobster tails in the front of her pants, police said.

Reed said she was going to exchange the lobster tails with a friend to buy "Chinese buffet or Dilaudid, a prescription drug, according to police.

Reed, who has six previous arrests, was taken to the Volusia County Jail and was being held on $250 bond.