Irvine Police Department detectives teamed up with the OCDA Organized Retail Theft Unit and private security partners to apprehend a thief with a penchant for high-end clothing and shoes.
This fashion faux pas artist targeted stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom, and Nordstrom Rack, flaunting her flair for theft across Orange County, including four less-than-glamorous heists in Irvine.
On Wednesday, Ekaterina Zharkova, 40, of Lake Forest, was arrested outside her home. Inside, hundreds of stolen items valued at over $100,000 were discovered. Store loss prevention teams assisted in identifying and cataloging the property. Much of her loot was returned to store representatives. One store had to rent a U-Haul to transport its property.
Zharkova was booked for grand theft, with bail enhancement. While she may have thought crime was the latest trend, our detectives are always one step ahead because when it comes to crime, orange jumpsuits will never go out of style. And no, Orange County Jail is not issuing 800-thread-count sheets.
The surname Zharkova is of Slavic origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, with roots in Russia or Ukraine. It is the feminine form of the surname Zharkov. The name is derived from the Russian word “zharko,” meaning “hot” or “warm,” potentially referring to geographical features or temperament…