FIVE-FINGER DISCOUNT: If you've ever worked at a restaurant, you probably know someone who's thought of a way to get extra cash out of the register. Well, it's probably a good idea not to ring up fake returns and keep the money, especially to the tune of $3,900, unless you want to arouse suspicion. A restaurant employee learned that the hard way last week.
CAPPED OFF: How many times do people need to be told, "If you're going to steal from a store, you might not want to visit that business again the same day?" One grocer told police she saw a person put on a baseball cap and walk out of the store without paying. The person came back in the store hours later but denied stealing it.
ICY COMPLAINT: An ice cream company employee called police to report that someone is selling ice cream without proper permission.
SMOKED: A man told police two people stole 30 cartons of cigarettes from his store. The first person distracted him, while the second took the items and left the store, all of which was captured by a security camera. The man said he didn't even miss all those Marlboros and Newports until later.
LEARNED BEHAVIOR: A community college student told police that someone stood outside the classroom window and asked her to come outside. But she didn't go -- possibly because she heard the person say, "I'm going to get you."
LESSON IN MANNERS: A man called police after a woman grabbed his arm during an argument that apparently started because he took one of her cups to get a drink of water.
HARD DRINKING: A woman called police after someone entered her garage and took two wine coolers. She told an officer it must've been the guy she detained when he returned for his bicycle, which he'd left in front of her house.
Blotter items are chosen from the files of the Charlotte Police Department.