Ramen used in barcode-switching scheme, Cape Coral man accused of stealing over $2.5K in groceries

A Cape Coral man was arrested on Wednesday after being accused of stealing over $2,500 worth of groceries from a Publix in a Ramen-barcode-switching scheme.According to the Cape Coral Police Department, David Crespo, 67, was arrested following an investigation that found 97 total reported thefts at the Publix at 2420 Santa Barbara Boulevard South.The scheme began in December 2025, CCPD said, as Crespo carried out multiple price-switching thefts at self-checkout by scanning a low-cost Maruchan ramen noodle barcode, typically priced between $0.59 and $0.69, while bagging higher-priced groceries.Store management told officers it had identified at least 97 fraudulent transactions involving approximately 360 items, totaling more than $2,500 in losses.Crespo was seen on May 14th carrying out an additional theft via the same method, CCPD said. After observing surveillance footage, officers found probable cause to arrest Crespo.While searching Crespo post arrest, officers found multiple ramen noodle barcodes in his pockets, CCPD said.Crespo faces charges of grand theft and petit theft.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.