Off-duty cop cited for ‘under ringing at self-checkout’ at ‘big box store’ as police department vows to be transparent

A POLICE officer resigned after he was arrested and charged with retail theft.

Antoine J. Smith was a cop at the Gurnee Police Department in Gurnee, Illinois, around 40 miles north of Chicago.

While off-duty, Smith visited a big box store on April 28 and passed items through the store’s self-checkout machines, according to a Facebook post by the police department.

Officers were called to the store, on the 6500 block of Grand Avenue, for a reported case of retail theft.

The store’s loss prevention staff were watching security footage and reportedly spotted the incident as it happened, according to the Daily Herald.

Cops then apprehended Smith for allegedly “under-ringing” at the self-service kiosks.

Under-ringing is when an item is either not scanned or passed through at a lower price.

This retail crime can be committed by either shoppers or staff.

“This unlawful act constitutes retail theft under Illinois state law,” the post by the cops said.

The Gurnee Police Department confirmed Smith was charged with retail theft following an investigation.

Smith, 32, also resigned from his role as a detective with the department on the same day.

He had worked with the force for four years.

“The Gurnee Police Department upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and any actions contrary to these principles will be met with swift and decisive action,” the post said.

“The department remains committed to serving and protecting the community with integrity and transparency.”

Smith’s next court date is scheduled for Mary 28, according to the Daily Herald.

The U.S. Sun has reported on other supposed cases of under-rining.

A Walmart employee was arrested after allegedly switching labels and scanning items at a lower price.

Shanti Gurung, 18, was charged with theft after nearly $1,000 worth of goods went missing.

The incident happened at a store in Evansville, Illinois, on the state border with Kentucky.

Police were contacted by loss prevention staff to look into a possible report of shoplifting, according to CBS and Fox affiliate WEVV.

Cops said they watched security footage that appeared to show Gurung swapping price tags of more expensive items for lower-priced ones.

She then allegedly paid for these items at a self-checkout.

Gurung reportedly admitted to swapping the price tags with cops and was taken to Vanderburgh County Jail.