GRETNA, Neb. (WOWT) – Four women and a male driver were arrested Dec. 11 after allegedly shoplifting an estimated $3,000 worth of clothing from outlet stores at Nebraska Crossing, according to the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspects are believed to be part of a larger shoplifting ring consisting of 15-20 females who target retailers across the metro area, Sheriff Greg London said.
“We think the shoplifting ring consists of about 15-20 females, and they go into these stores like Nike and steal stuff right off the rack, then take it to their car and eventually they try to sell it on the streets,” London said.
Witness description leads to arrests
Store surveillance video shows the four suspects leaving the outlet store with arms full of clothing, making no attempt to hide the merchandise. A witness provided a description of the suspects’ getaway vehicle, leading to a broadcast alert.
A rookie deputy, barely a month on the job, spotted the vehicle traveling through Gretna and made the arrest.
When deputies searched the car, they found nearly all the recovered items still had price tags, some valued at $150 each. The merchandise came from multiple retailers beyond Nike, indicating the crew had hit several stores.
New law increases penalties
The recovered merchandise and theft video could result in stiffer charges under a new Nebraska law that took effect in September, making organized retail crime a felony…