GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – A man attempted to steal a giant $2,000 goose statue outside a Waffle House in Berkeley County named Waffles.

The Goose Creek Police Department said it was the first time someone has tried to steal one of the statues. Waffles is part of a flock of 41 geese, who each reside in front of businesses or organizations across the city. He was adopted by Waffle House through the “Adopt-A-Goose program” hosted by the cultural arts and recreation commission.

According to an incident report obtained by News 2, a former employee and a frequent customer hatched a plan to steal Waffles.

“We received the call probably two hours in advance of the goose-napping. We were told it could potentially happen,” LJ Roscoe, chief of the Goose Creek Police Department, said. “One of the employees was fired and felt like, because she had donated toward the goose, she was entitled to take the goose. So, unfortunately she found someone else and told them to go and retrieve the goose for her, and he was arrested.”

Paul Carleton allegedly backed up his car to where Waffles stands in front of Waffle House, picked the bird up, and put him in his trunk. One manager called the police as it was unfolding and they were able to intervene before he got away.

Waffle House regulars told News 2, they were stunned someone would try to take Waffles. Roscoe said he is one of the most favorite birds in the flock because of his decoration.

“We spend every day there. This is our Waffle House. I can’t believe, yes I can, the way this world is turning around somebody stealing the goose. That’s just ridiculous,” James Graham, a Goose Creek resident, said. 

The chief said she has one message for anybody who tries to steal another goose.

“If anybody messes with our geese. They’re going to flock around and find out,” Roscoe said.

Police said Carleton is in custody with a charge of larceny. He was also served a trespass notice at the scene.

Waffles is now safely bolted back into the concrete block he sits on.