Scooby-Doo Costume Caper: Police Hunt Suspect After Shop Burglary

The Tuscaloosa Police Department have issued a request for help to identify a criminal wearing a Scooby-Doo costume who stole cash from a convenience store.

The thief, who struck at the Quick Stop on Highway 82 last weekend, was captured on CCTV removing coins from gaming machines while dressed as the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon character.

At one point, the suspect removed his Scooby-Doo hood — but unlike in the show, he was prepared: he was also wearing a balaclava to hide his face underneath. Zoinks.

Images posted to the Tuscaloosa Police Department’s Facebook page show the suspect stomping through the convenience store at 3:45 a.m. Officers noted he “took cash and coins, but no snacks.” What, no munchies?

In a follow-up comment, the department shared a photo of the Scooby gang’s iconic Mystery Machine van parked outside their headquarters, and jokingly wrote: "We’ve questioned the vehicle’s owners, but haven’t found any solid leads yet. Stay alert for suspicious caretakers — and please, don’t meddle if you spot the suspect."

Scooby-Doo caught in the act. Image credit: Tuscaloosa Police Department. Could this all be viral promotion for the new live-action Scooby-Doo series now in production at Netflix?

Earlier this year, the streamer confirmed that after three movies and a dozen animated series, Scooby-Doo will receive a "modern reimagining" as a live-action show. The series will follow teens Shaggy, Daphne, Velma, and Freddy (yes, Freddy) as they investigate a "supernatural murder" at a summer camp, with the help of their "very special dog."