There's a new string of thefts on the rise. Law enforcement officials across the US say the new crime wave involves the theft of Tide detergent.

One thief in St. Paul, Minn. stole over $25,000 of the product over 15 months before he was arrested last year.

Officials say there is a black market developing for the product. A regular sized bottle of Tide retails for $10 to $15. A thief can sell the same bottle on the street for about $5.

The interesting point in this story is that Tide is the only brand being targeted by thieves. Some officials believe it's because it is the most popular detergent and has a high name recognition.

The thefts have become so rampant in some parts of the country that retailers, like CVS  Pharmacies, have begun locking it up.

Procter & Gamble, which makes the product, has no explanation for the crime wave.

Here in Sacramento, a regular sized bottle of Tide retails for about $13. Only one store called has seen a rise in a theft of the product.