'It's shady:' Lue-Lue's World owner searching for suspected thief who posed as pet shop customer





MILWAUKEE -- It's not your average pet boutique. Lue-Lue's World near Silver Spring Drive and Lovers Lane carries high-end clothes and supplies. The owners hope you might be able to help police catch a suspect who stole more than $1,000 worth of merchandise.

"Gucci sweaters, and these dresses by Burberry here. Louis Vuitton bibs and the Chanel dresses," said owner Aminah Hamdan as she showed FOX6 News around the store on Sunday, March 10.

Unfortunately, Hamdan said a woman got her paws on their merchandise. It happened on Thursday, March 7, and the crime was caught on camera.

Lue-Lue's Pet World theft



Aminah Hamdan



"I felt betrayed," said Hamdan. "I think it's exceptionally wrong."

Surveillance cameras captured the woman taking items off hangers and concealing them, waiting until Hamdan was by herself in the store to allegedly commit the crime.

"She was wearing a puffer coat, so those things are easy to stuff," said Hamdan. "She took the opportune time -- when she saw I was extremely busy -- to nonchalantly shop and help herself to things."

Lue-Lue's Pet World theft suspect



Lue-Lue's Pet World theft suspect



It seemed after chatting up Hamdan and her husband, she waited for him to leave the store. She was seen peering around shelves before allegedly making her moves.

"I found about 13 hangers empty, stuffed behind clothes," said Hamdan.

After taking inventory of what was missing, she discovered more than $1,200 worth of merchandise had been taken.

Lue-Lue's Pet World theft



Lue-Lue's Pet World theft



"She should be held responsible for what she did, especially how she did it," said Hamdan. "It's shady."

Hamdan said she prides herself in the customer interaction and service at her shop.

"We've been here 11 years," said Hamdan. "I show every single person respect."

Swindled, Hamdan said she stepped up the security system even more at the store, and offered a warning to other small business owners.

Lue-Lue's Pet World



Lue-Lue's Pet World theft



"Look at the picture. Remember it," urged Hamdan. "Take a mental picture of it. Remember the face."

If you happen to know who this woman is, you're asked to please contact police.