Social media sleuths ID religious thrift store thieves in Bossier City, manager says

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A religious thrift store manager in Bossier City says she was at her wits’ end after three individuals kept stealing from the store. So, she posted videos of the alleged thieves on social media and says the community’s response has been amazing.

“They just keep coming back, coming back,” said Jodi Johnston, Christ Fit Resale Thrift Store manager on Chinaberry Drive.

She says the thefts started on February 27 and continued for 10 weeks. She previously filed a police report with Bossier City Police regarding the thefts.

“I would never put something on social media like that if I had not already reached out to get the help [from police],” said Johnston.

She shared security camera footage with NBC 6 News, which showed two women and one man stealing from the store on separate occasions. Each time, they filled their vehicles with items from the store, which is entirely donation-driven.

On Thursday morning Johnston took to social media to get help in identifying those in the videos. The post received hundreds of likes, comments and shares, with countless people providing information on the alleged thieves and the getaway vehicles. She says that information has been turned over to Bossier City Police.

“I want to say that this community’s support has been unbelievable. Bossier City has been very helpful this afternoon, so I’m really grateful for that,” said Johnston. “I do feel like we will get these individuals. I do feel like we will definitely get justice and again, it’s not that I want anyone to get in trouble. I just don’t think behavior like that should be allowed from February 27th to now.”

She adds that there was no need to steal; she would have been happy to give the three individuals the items.

“I would be ashamed if someone ever came in here and we didn’t help them. We only exist because the community’s done what it’s done for us,” said Johnston. “All you had to do was come in and ask.”

She says Bossier City Police have not yet made any arrests, but she believes it won’t be long, given all the information they’ve been given.

Johnston says the ongoing thefts have forced the religious organization to add more security cameras, and security fencing is coming.