Four nabbed in large shoplifting spree www.privateofficer.com

LANCASTER OH Oct 23 2010 — Four people are accused of committing the largest shoplifting spree in more than four years at River Valley Mall, but they didn’t get far before being arrested Thursday.

Four Newark residents were arraigned Friday on felony charges of receiving stolen property and possession of criminal tools.

More than $3,300 was stolen from six stores throughout the mall between 3:26 and 5:10 p.m. Thursday. Police said the group of four used devices in their shopping bags to throw off security sensors while exiting stores.

Lancaster police stopped a car matching a vehicle description provided by mall security.

“This was not spur of the moment; it was thought out and their intention was obvious to get (large amounts) of merchandise,” said Lancaster Police Detective Rod Sandy. “They had to make several trips to the vehicle because of the volume. The trunk was completely full of clothing.”

Inside the vehicle were numerous bags of clothes and other items with price tags and security sensors still attached, police said.

Police said Lea Bush, 22, of Newark, was the driver of the vehicle. She and Danielle Wood, 28, Michael Anderson, 29, and James Wood, 39, all of Newark, were each arraigned on felony charges of receiving stolen property and possession of criminal tools.

All pleaded not guilty and were given the same $2,500 bond.

River Valley Mall General Manager Tim Kaylor said it was the largest shoplifting theft at the mall since he started there about four years ago.

Kaylor credited the cooperation of the stores, who are generally responsible for their own security.

“Everybody was working together, and we were able to get that information to police. Fortunately they were able to get them apprehended,” he said.

Source:Lancaster Eagle