Pair wanted for using firecracker to create diversion during Safeway theft

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Sunday, July 14, 2019
Thieves use firecracker to create diversion
Alameda Police are looking for two people who used a firecracker to create a diversion and steal groceries.

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Authorities in Alameda are searching for two people suspected of exploding a firecracker inside a busy Safeway store to divert attention while stealing a shopping cart loaded with groceries.



The blast on Thursday frightened shoppers and prompted a shutdown of the store.



Police say a man threw the firecracker in the store's refrigerated beer section, creating a diversion that allowed a woman to leave the store with the full cart.



No injuries reported.



Police say the thieves are between 25 and 35 years old and may have fled in a silver compact SUV.

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