Charlotte NC, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating Eddie Mobley and Jeremy Hawkins, linked to ongoing shoplifting incidents across the area. Despite previous arrests and charges, both suspects continue to evade law enforcement. Their recent thefts have raised concerns among local businesses. Investigators are urging lawmakers to reassess penalties for shoplifting to deter repeat offenders, as there are growing implications on public safety and pricing for consumers.
Charlotte
In a concerted effort to tackle ongoing theft issues, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is actively investigating two suspects, Eddie Mobley and Jeremy Hawkins, who are linked to a series of shoplifting incidents across the Charlotte area. Both individuals have been previously arrested and continue to engage in shoplifting, causing significant concern among local businesses.
Their most recent theft occurred in June, where Mobley and Hawkins were seen stealing merchandise from a Hibbett Sports store on E. Independence Blvd. Surveillance footage captured Mobley wearing a pink hat during the incident. The duo then struck again in July at the Alo Yoga store in SouthPark, where they were again recorded while taking items from the establishment.
Detective Jacqueline Clyburn from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers highlighted that despite multiple charges, Mobley and Hawkins have been repeatedly released from jail, raising questions about the effectiveness of current penalties for shoplifting crimes. The detective suggested that lawmakers might need to reassess these penalties to ensure that they adequately reflect the severity of the offenses committed.
Clyburn also speculated that the suspects may be wearing the stolen clothing or attempting to resell the items for profit. Capturing Mobley and Hawkins has proven to be increasingly difficult, as they appear to be trying to blend into the crowd to evade law enforcement. As a preventative measure, Clyburn urged the pair to cease their criminal activities and provided resources for individuals struggling with similar issues, encouraging them to turn themselves in.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg authorities have also opened up a line for community members to report any information related to Mobley and Hawkins. Those with tips are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, ensuring anonymity and potential cash rewards for actionable leads.
In a separate incident, 30-year-old Robert Paul Collins was arrested on multiple shoplifting charges concerning thefts at SouthPark Mall’s Nordstrom and Macy’s. Collins reportedly stole high-value fragrances, resulting in losses amounting to thousands of dollars. Records show he has committed at least 10 thefts in 2025 alone.
A shopper at SouthPark Mall expressed concerns about the implications of thievery on pricing, emphasizing that such criminal behavior can lead to increased costs for honest consumers.
Additionally, a recent unrelated incident saw Gastonia police arrest a 36-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man for attempting to shoplift over $500 worth of merchandise from a Lowe’s Home Improvement store on July 18. The man attempted to flee when confronted but was apprehended shortly after the theft was reported by an employee. Both suspects now face charges for two counts of shoplifting, with the man also facing charges for attempting to escape custody.
Legal Implications and Recommendations
The ongoing issues with repeat shoplifting suspects like Mobley, Hawkins, and Collins highlight the need for a reevaluation of penalties for theft-related crimes. As public safety continues to be at risk due to these incidents, there is an urgent call for lawmakers and law enforcement to collaborate in creating more effective deterrents.
Summary of Recent Shoplifting Incidents
| Suspect | Incident Details | Charges | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eddie Mobley | Stole from Hibbett Sports and Alo Yoga | Multiple shoplifting charges | Repeatedly released |
| Jeremy Hawkins | Stole from Hibbett Sports and Alo Yoga | Multiple shoplifting charges | Repeatedly released |
| Robert Paul Collins | Thefts at Nordstrom and Macy’s | Multiple shoplifting charges | Arrested |
| Unidentified Couple | Attempted theft from Lowe’s | Two counts of shoplifting | Arrested |
FAQ Section
1. Who are the suspected shoplifters in Charlotte?
The suspects are Eddie Mobley and Jeremy Hawkins, both of whom have a history of shoplifting and repeat arrests.
2. What types of stores have they targeted?
Mobley and Hawkins have stolen from various businesses, including Hibbett Sports and Alo Yoga, while Robert Paul Collins was linked to thefts at Nordstrom and Macy’s.
3. How can I report information about these suspects?
You can report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. Potential cash rewards are available for actionable tips.
4. What is being done about recurring theft cases?
Detectives, such as Jacqueline Clyburn, are urging lawmakers to review and potentially revise penalties related to shoplifting offenses to deter repeat offenders.
5. What should I do if I see shoplifting in progress?
If you witness shoplifting, report the incident to store management or local authorities immediately.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Detectives working to find alleged repeat shoplifters in Charlotte
- WSOC TV: SouthPark shoplifter steals thousands in perfumes and colognes
- Charlotte Observer: Multiple arrests in recent theft incidents
- QC News: Man arrested for fried chicken and beer theft
- WCNC: Harris Teeter employee accused of theft of thousands
- Wikipedia: Shoplifting
- Google Search: Shoplifting Charlotte
- Google Scholar: Shoplifting Penalties
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shoplifting
- Google News: Charlotte Shoplifting
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
