At a Glance
- Two Philadelphia men arrested after using girdles to hide stolen tequila bottles in three December robberies.
- All incidents occurred at Fine Wine and Good Spirits on Galloway Road, Bensalem.
- A dark-green Toyota Tundra with New Jersey plates was linked to each robbery.
- Why it matters: The case highlights a creative theft method and the police’s swift action to recover stolen goods.
In December, a series of three robberies at Bensalem’s Fine Wine and Good Spirits saw two men use girdles to conceal stolen tequila bottles. Police traced the same dark-green Toyota Tundra to all incidents, leading to the men’s arrest. The case underscores a novel approach to shoplifting and the effectiveness of local law-enforcement surveillance.
December Heists Target Bensalem Liquor Store
The first theft on Dec. 10 at about 5:46 p.m. involved two suspects taking multiple tequila bottles, hiding them in girdles, and exiting without paying. Surveillance footage showed the suspects being dropped off and picked up by a Toyota Tundra with New Jersey plates. A second robbery on Dec. 19 at 5:20 p.m. used the same method and vehicle, confirming a pattern.
Suspects Identified and Arrested
On Dec. 27, a store manager spotted the two men, prompting a police response. Officers found the Toyota parked nearby and arrested the occupants, who were wearing similar clothing and had several tequila bottles and girdles in the vehicle. Bensalem police identified the suspects as 44-year-old Willie Floyd Upson and 47-year-old Barry Ali Bailey, both from Philadelphia, and held them at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
| Date | Time | Incident |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 10 | 5:46 p.m. | Tequila bottles stolen, concealed in girdles |
| Dec 19 | 5:20 p.m. | Repeat theft, same method, Toyota present |
| Dec 27 | ~7:00 p.m. | Store manager saw men, police arrested them; stolen bottles and girdles recovered |
The arrests demonstrate how repeated surveillance and vehicle tracking can lead to successful apprehension of repeat offenders.
Key Takeaways
- Two men used girdles to hide stolen tequila bottles in three robberies.
- All incidents linked to a Toyota Tundra with New Jersey plates.
- Suspects identified and held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.
The Bensalem case serves as a reminder that even unconventional theft tactics can be uncovered with diligent police work, ensuring stolen goods are recovered and offenders brought to justice.
