Shoplifting Spree Leads to Arrest for 2 Seniors
Two senior ladies recently went out on a shoplifting spree in Boca Raton and ended up behind bars. The women were caught by police on March 28 after they went on a two-hour shoplifting spree at Macy’s. In total, they netted close to $2,200 in stolen merchandise.
Boca Raton police officers responded to Macy’s at 5700 West Glades Road for reports of shoplifting. Police arrived and spoke with a loss prevention officer, who called police after noticing a car associated with previous shoplifting incidents enter the parking lot.
The loss prevention officer saw two suspects enter the Macy’s. They were identified as a 71-year-old woman from Boca Raton and a 73-year-old woman from Delray Beach. They were in the store for more than two hours removing items from the first, second, and third floors. They would go into changing rooms while concealing merchandise.
One woman grabbed a pair of shoes, walked into a bathroom hallway, and hid them inside a bag. Shortly after, the other woman grabbed a pair of shoes and concealed them inside a folded shirt.
Police arrested both women, who had stolen merchandise worth $2,189.69. The woman from Boca Raton admitted to shoplifting but denied any previous theft history at Macy’s. The woman from Delray Beach spoke only in Russian, but admitted to an interpreter that she was stealing for personal gain.
Grand Retail Theft in Florida
Grand retail theft in Florida is a serious felony offense. Retail theft becomes grand theft (a felony) when the value of stolen merchandise is $750 or more.
Shoplifting includes more than just walking out with items. Florida law also covers:
- Switching price tags or barcodes.
- Hiding merchandise.
- Using devices to bypass security systems.
- Under-ringing items at self-checkout.
Florida divides grand theft into degrees based on value:
- $750 – $19,999: Third-degree felony
- $20,000 – $99,999: Second-degree felony
- $100,000 or more: First-degree felony
Multiple thefts can be combined (aggregated) over time to reach felony levels, especially in organized retail theft cases.
The women in this case will likely be charged with a third-degree felony. The penalties are steep and include up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. While not common, retailers can also sue those accused of shoplifting and demand at least $200 or triple damages as well as attorney’s fees in a civil case.
Contact Us Today
Shoplifting may seem like a minor crime to some people, but when thousands of dollars in merchandise are stolen, it becomes a serious offense. Felony charges are nothing to laugh about. They can affect a person for many years.
If you have been accused of shoplifting, it is crucial to understand the laws governing this offense and the potential penalties you may face. Get the legal help you need from a Fort Myers shoplifting attorney from Hollander & Hanuka. We can help you get the best outcome possible. Call (239) 332-3300 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today.
Source:
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