Doug Phillips
Sun Sentinel
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — It was as if the thief was gliding on air.
Walmart security surveillance video released by police in Winter Haven, in Polk County, shows a man wearing some type of high-tech shoes as he glides into the store, gathers a television and some flowers in a shopping cart and glides right out of the store without paying.
“Back to the Future’s McFly he’s not,” police posted on Facebook Wednesday — referring to the classic 1985 film that throws Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, back into the 1950s.
This would be a routine shoplifting incident if not for the thief’s footwear.
“But his Hover Shoes, Voyagers, Moto Kicks, Space Shoes or whatever you want to call them makes him our first futuristic thief,” the police posting said.
Exactly what the shoplifter had on his feet isn’t known, but there is a product on the market called Gyroor Electric Shoes. They are highlighted on a YouTube video that calls them electric roller skate hovershoes that are self-balancing using a hoverboard design.
“It has two separate e-skates which offer you endless possibilities to dance, do tricks and maneuver,” the narrator says.
Online, the shoes retail for $229.00.
Despite the tongue-in-cheek Facebook posting, Winter Haven police say they are serious about bringing the shoplifter to justice.
“We poke fun, but stealing is a crime and we want to get this guy and his shoes in custody,” officials posted.