Cops say homeless woman helps herself to stolen hygiene products in Publix bathroom

A 52-year-old homeless woman was arrested Wednesday morning after using personal hygiene products in a Sarasota Publix bathroom without paying for them.

Laura Kamien allegedly took a handful of items including a razor and makeup into the women’s bathroom. Publix employees then found her in the bathroom shaving her legs, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

When law enforcement arrived, they reportedly found Kamien brushing her teeth in the bathroom stall. Police then escorted Kamien out of the building and found open boxes for a Fusion razor and a Summer’s Eve douche in the stall’s trash can.

Officers brought the boxes outside and questioned Kamien. She admitted that she used the items, but was going to pay for them. According to the sheriff’s office, Kamien never alerted Publix employees that she was eventually going to pay.

The total value of the stolen items was $37.37. Kamien was arrested and charged with petit theft. She is currently being held on a $120 bond.

This story was originally published October 5, 2017 at 6:11 PM with the headline "Cops say homeless woman helps herself to stolen hygiene products in Publix bathroom."