Barefoot Bandit Pilfers Taylor Swift Cutout from Award-Winning Ice Cream Shop
An award-winning ice cream shop in Southern California is seeking the public’s assistance after a peculiar theft captured on surveillance video: a life-size cardboard cutout of pop superstar Taylor Swift vanished from its Camarillo location on a Monday evening. The suspect, notably, was seen making his getaway entirely barefoot.
A Sweet Crime
The establishment, Mister Softee, announced the unfortunate disappearance on Facebook, sharing that their “Taylor Swift standee has been stolen from our Camarillo store.” They appealed to the community for help, asking, “If you recognize this guy, let us know.”
Surveillance footage released by the shop shows the individual entering the premises around 8:21 p.m. The man, described as barefoot and dressed in a white t-shirt, black joggers, and a black baseball cap, casually surveyed the area before lifting the Taylor Swift cutout near the entrance and walking out. The video doesn’t indicate any interaction with staff or other customers at that moment.
Further examination of security camera angles, obtained by another news outlet, suggests the same individual may have visited the shop earlier that evening. Around 8 p.m., he appeared to be with a group of friends, enjoying ice cream before they departed. He seemingly returned alone about twenty minutes later, leading to the cutout’s disappearance.
The “Swiftie Swirl” Connection
The cardboard Taylor Swift was more than just a decoration; it was part of a promotional campaign for the shop’s new “Swiftie Swirl” ice cream flavor. This special treat was introduced following reports that a Mister Softee truck had made an appearance at the wedding festivities for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The business celebrated this connection, stating in a social media post that they “couldn’t resist celebrating with a special of our own” after news broke of Mister Softee’s alleged presence at the event.
The “Swiftie Swirl” itself is a decadent concoction featuring vanilla soft serve blended with cookie dough and chocolate dip, creating a chocolate chip effect. It’s then topped with mini M&M’s, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles. To enhance the promotion, the Camarillo Mister Softee location had invited customers to take “selfies with our Taylor standee” as part of the experience.
The Show Must Go On (Without the Standee)
Despite the unusual theft, the Ventura County ice cream parlor, which was recognized last year with the VC Reporter’s Best of Ventura County award for Best Frozen Dessert, assured patrons that the “Swiftie Swirl” would remain available at both its Ventura and Camarillo locations. However, they humorously noted, “Just no more photo ops in Cam.”
The incident quickly sparked online discussion, with social media users humorously dubbing the suspect the “barefoot bandit.” Some commenters even quipped that the suspect’s choice of footwear might actually aid in identifying him, with one suggesting, “He came in barefoot, so he lives close.”
The shop has reached out for additional information regarding the incident.
