Two recent thefts of disposable razors are bringing to light a new black-market trend, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
"Who would have thought that this would become the next hot item on the black market?" sheriff's spokesman Larry McKinnon said.
McKinnon said the stolen razors are sold everywhere: Mom and pop shops, flea markets, Craigslist, even from the trunks of cars in parking lots. The reason for the rise in thefts is simple. Razors are expensive, small and people are always looking for a deal.
"They've become very popular to those who want to buy them at a very cheap rate," he said.
Earlier this month, a thief hit the CVS on Dale Mabry Highway near Lambright Street. He shoved nearly $1,000 worth of razors into his backpack and ran away. Later, a man hit another CVS on Dale Mabry Highway near Hudson Lane. He got away with about $500 worth of razors.
McKinnon said thefts like this raise the retail price of razors and opens the door for counterfeiters. So even if you think you're getting a deal, you could be buying fake brand names.
"The counterfeiters are out there knowing people are buying the real ones for a cheap price. They're going to sell counterfeit ones for $10 or $15, and now you're actually getting junk," he said.
