Carlsbad Cops Arrest Four Women Suspected In Grocery Store Theft

CARLSBAD, CA—Carlsbad Police arrested four women suspected of stealing groceries from a local chain store, the police department shared over social media. When officers arrived, the women fled their vehicle, leaving far more items behind, according to the post.

"Officer Nicholas Narbeth could see a large amount of clothing with tags scattered inside the unoccupied van," a Carlsbad Police spokesperson wrote of the incident. "Crime Suppression Team officers waited for the women to return, and eventually, two of them came back to the vehicle.

"When the women attempted to drive away, the officers initiated a traffic stop and detained them for shoplifting.

According to the post, during the van search, officers found clothing and a large black bag containing new cosmetics worth thousands of dollars.

"The women were arrested for theft of merchandise with intent to sell, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit theft," the Carlsbad Police spokesperson said.

The significant number of stolen items from multiple stores and the coordinated nature of their actions indicated an organized effort to commit theft.

"We commend the store manager for their exemplary role as a witness," officers said. "Their detailed descriptions of the women, their vehicle, and their actions were crucial in assisting Officer Narbeth and the Crime Suppression Team officers in apprehending these individuals, who had victimized numerous stores."

The women's names were not released, pending further investigation into the retail thefts.