A Florida middle school principal has made headlines for all the wrong reasons after he was caught shoplifting at a Walmart in White Haven.
Gregory Lewis, the principal of Bok Academy North in Polk County, was arrested on Saturday afternoon after attempting to steal goods worth $37.45.
The Shoplifting Scheme That Went Wrong
Lewis confessed to the crime, explaining that he had been influenced by a friend’s shoplifting strategy and decided to try it himself.
During his arrest, he admitted to attempting the illegal act after his friends shared how they managed to get away with stealing using a trick.
“We sit around talking, ‘Hey, I did this,'” Lewis told police. “Let me try and see what I can get away with.”
Regretful and remorseful, he added, “I did something dumb today and I understand it.”
The ‘Skip Scanning’ Method That Got Him Caught
The method Lewis used is known as ‘skip scanning,’ a technique where customers scan cheaper items at a self-checkout while concealing more expensive items.
In this case, security at Walmart noticed Lewis placing disposable foam plates between costlier items while scanning them.
This method is similar to the notorious ‘banana trick’—where thieves scan a cheap item, like bananas, but take more expensive products.
The stolen items included light bulbs, bacon, and frozen shrimp.
A Principal’s Fall from Grace
Lake Wales Charter Schools has placed Lewis on administrative leave pending a review of the situation. Interim superintendent Alricky Smith confirmed the decision.
The arrest has sparked concerns from local educators, including retired teacher James Barker, who expressed dismay over the situation.
“More and more people are doing just stupid things without any regard to the consequences not only for themselves but the reputation of our profession,” Barker said.
“He’s the principal of the school, and now he’s been caught doing this—what example does he set for the kids?”
The Impact of Self-Checkout on Shoplifting Rates
Lewis’s case is not an isolated incident. The rise of self-checkout machines in retail stores has been controversial, with many pointing to an increase in shoplifting and reduced staff presence.
In Washington State, lawmakers are considering a bill to regulate the use of these machines, including requiring more staff at self-checkout stations and imposing a 15-item limit on transactions.
If passed, stores that don’t comply could face fines, and the regulations would impact major retailers like Walmart and Safeway.
A Growing Trend of Shoplifting Tactics
Lewis’s arrest follows similar incidents, including a Florida woman who was caught using the ‘banana trick’ at a Walmart just last month.
The rising prevalence of these shoplifting strategies, particularly in self-checkout areas, continues to fuel debates on how to combat retail theft effectively.
