Tide has become a hot commodity among thieves at supermarkets and drugstores in at least some parts of the country.
...
Unlike nasal decongestants, which can be used to make methamphetamine, laundry detergent is generally used for its intended purpose after it is stolen, authorities and industry officials say. Many thieves are selling it on the street themselves at cut-rate prices, sometimes outside coin-operated laundries.
I've seen this story a couple of times so far this week. My first reaction was: "fake." I mean...it just seems to ridiculous to be true. I'm still not completely convinced.
But let's say it's true. That sounds like something that portends the apocalypse.
I was surprised to learn a few years ago that shampoo was an oft-stolen item from drug stores. I was in one when some was boosted and the managers took off chasing them. Apparently it is easy to resell.
"Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid."
