Thief Uses Blow Torch To Open Locked Walgreens Shelves

No key? No problem!

Last week, one New York City man discovered a scorching solution to the age-old problem of waiting around for the drugstore attendant to unlock your cold medicine, deodorant, or literally any item that isn’t checkout adjacent gum, hitting the plastic casing with a good ‘ol blast of fire.

On Friday, June 16, a masked man allegedly stole roughly $450 in skincare items from a Walgreens in Astoria, Queens, melting the plastic anti-theft barriers with a blowtorch before running off onto the streets of East Elmhurst, per the New York Post. 

Though the purported perp has managed to evade authorities, slipping off into the afternoon after allegedly committing the crime, video of his fiery escapades quickly went viral on the r/ThereWasAnAttempt, garnering concern – and respect – from several of the subreddit's 6.4 million users.

While several commended the possible robber for bringing his own bag to the heist  – “This guy is saving the planet,” joked u/Old-Towel-4186  before dubbing him an “eco-conscious thief” – others made light (and flames) of the situation.

“What is this.... A fire sale?” joked u/Onah_VayKay  –

Blowtorches – good for more than just dabs and creme brulee!