Man caught stuffing stolen spiders in his pants in Arizona

TEMPE, AZ - A store security camera captures a robber pulling a "spider swipe," putting expensive spiders in his pants pockets.

“Everyone is interested that he put the spiders in his pants, but to me it’s just stealing” said store owner Jared Ohsman.

The crime was caught on tape this weekend at Reptiles and Reefs on University Avenue in Tempe.

Ohsman said Hartmann is a regular customer but said he believes every few times he comes in the store he steals something, from spiders to lights.

Ohsman said he believes at least a half dozen spiders have been swiped worth a total of $1,000.

Ohsman said he comes in with family members who try to distract workers while Hartmann takes the spiders from a large, clear carton and slips them into his pockets.

“It’s not like he is stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, we are barely getting by here.” said Ohsman.

Police picked up 20-year -old Adam Hartmann on a probation violation and are still investigating the spider theft.