A Harrison Township man hired at Halloween Land in Utica to attract customers into the store attracted the police’s attention instead.

Utica police said the 48-year-old man stole four Halloween contact lens cases from the retail store on the first day he was hired.

When a manager at Halloween Land noticed the lenses behind the register were stolen on Oct. 10, he called police. The surveillance video showed the new hire go behind the computer and slip something into his pocket, according to Utica police reports.

Police said the stolen packages of Wicked Eye Contact lenses were valued at $240.

When questioned, the suspected thief admitted to stealing the lens, according to police, and returned the merchandise.

He was arrested and charged with embezzlement.  The man's name has not been released because he hasn't been arraigned on the charges yet.

For questions about this blotter, email Marina.Cracchiolo@patch.com.