costco tide (Photo credit: bnilsen)

DENVER (AP) – Authorities are hoping suspects come clean following a rash of thefts of laundry detergent and expensive face lotion across Colorado.

KCNC-TV reported on Wednesday that supermarkets are installing more surveillance cameras to combat the rising tide of thefts. They are also hiring undercover agents.

Authorities believe thieves are targeting those products because of high prices.

Police have surveillance video of a suspect in Ft. Lupton getting away with more than $8,000 of detergent from six different stores.

Detergent thefts have also been reported in other parts of the country. Tide in particular has been used as currency for drugs. Experts say it is well-suited for resale on the black market.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.