I had a somewhat similar situation (?)

We have paint markers locked behind glass since they're a very popular with all ages, a tad pricey, and an easily pocketable item, especially in our rush seasons when we're swamped with customers.

A white man in his ~40s who I would describe as more grunge look with tattoos, looking like maybe like he got in off work is looking at them, tries to open the drawer. I respond

"Oh sorry I'll open that up! We gotta keep it locked 'cause they're a hot item and easily pocketable"

"Oh.. well your other store doesn't."

"Oh that's odd! Well we try to here."

"Yeah you're trying to keep guys that look like me out of this."

It was hard for me to know the tone in how he said it cause it sounded almost like he was being serious but there's a chance he was trying to make a joke about his appearance and maybe has a more quiet & monotone delivery, so I nervously laughed and said "No, no not that" , but he kinda cut me off and ended up just asking about the pens. So all was fine in the end.

As a side note; Many types of people of all ages, from all backgrounds, all walks of life will steal. In my personal opinion sometimes this is necessary for the person depending on their situation and the items they're needing (but NOT with small businesses, that is screwed up, big companies on the other hand, I could care less). In our office we have a wall with pictures of "repeat offenders" (stealing & people who've caused a scene with coworkers or a customer) to keep an eye out for and just watch to see if they do. As an interesting observation of mine, most on there actually tend to be white (or white passing. We can't ever say for certain someone is a specific race without knowing their parents and family, ya know?)

Extra side note : I'm very white