2 Boston Women Arrested in Alleged Interstate Shoplifting Operation
Two Boston women were arrested at the Square One Mall in Saugus on Friday after they were allegedly found to be in posession of more than $6,000 worth of stolen goods from Maine and Massachusetts, Saugus Police said in a statement.
Saugus Police arrested Ana Oliveira, 44, and Melissa Lopes, 32, charging them both with larceny over $250 and receiving stolen property over $250. Police said in a statement that additional charges may be pending.
Mall loss prevention personnel told police that the two women were going from store to store stealing items, and then bringing the items to their vehicle, and returning inside to steal more. Officers responded and found more than $800 in allegedly stolen goods in the posession of the two women. The goods in the car are believed to have been stolen from outlet stores and a mall in Kittery, Maine.
Police recovered 435 different items of clothing and household goods from 15 different stores in Saugus and Kittery. The total theft was valued at over $6,000.
“This was a total team effort,’’ said Saugus Police Chief Domenic J. DiMella. “Loss prevention at the stores brought this to our attention, our patrol units responded quickly, and our Saugus Police Detectives put together an excellent case that has shut down an interstate shoplifting effort. I am very proud of our officers.’’
The suspects are due to be arraigned in Lynn District Court on Wednesday.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com