SALT LAKE CITY—The recent arrests in Utah of three people accused of stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of baby formula is the latest example of a problem that officials say is vexing stores and police nationwide as thieves systematically swipe the mixture from shelves and resell it to unsuspecting parents.
Baby formula is a major expense for many new parents, with small canisters starting around $20 and special or prescription blends costing two or three times that.
The high price and broad demand for stolen formula make it an enticing target for thieves, who typically sell it at flea markets or on websites like Craigslist and eBay.
