Rustling papers a dead giveaway
Ashoplifting arrest outside a general merchandise store in Wenatchee, Wash., led police to a shoplifting scheme involving $1,900 worth of stolen merchandise from Home Depot and Lowe’s, according to an article in The Wenatchee World.
Employees at Stan’s Merry Mart, a hardware, sporting goods and general merchandise store, chased down a 38-year-old woman after seeing her putting store items inside her bag, according to the newspaper report. When police arrived, they took the woman into custody, along with her 18-year-old female companion, who was suspected of possessing methamphetamine.
As both women were being taken to jail, the officer heard a rustling of papers in the back of the patrol car. The officer later discovered receipts for returned goods at Lowe’s valued at $1,200 and Home Depot valued at $753. After further investigation, it was determined that the items had been stolen and returned.
Both women were arrested on suspicion of second-degree theft.