TRACY (CBS13) — A thief targeted a Tracy Target store with a creative way to steal Xbox 360 game systems during Christmastime.

The suspect took the Xbox systems, which were unlocked on display for the holidays, at the Target store at 2800 Naglee Road and stuffed them inside vacuum boxes in the store, in one case backing four of the gaming systems in one box. The vacuums were then paid for with the Xboxes inside and the thief made a run for it at the exit after the game’s security device went off.

The thief, who is suspected of running the scam several times, was spotted by police and Target security guards on Dec. 22. Officers gave chase but lost track in the parking lot.

“It’s not like it would have only taken a minute or two or 30 seconds,” said one customer surprised that the scheme actually worked. “He would have to sit there for a while unboxing all of those. It’s amazing nobody caught that earlier, that nobody was watching.”

The Xboxes have since been locked back up and cashiers have been alerted to the scheme. Security has also been stepped up.

Police say there is one main suspect who sometimes had accomplices with him. Target refused to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.