Novato Police Nab Accused Sephora Shoplifters

NOVATO, CA – Two accused thieves were arrested Wednesday in a theft investigation involving the Sephora store in Novato.

A police detective went to the business in the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center Wednesday morning for a follow-up investigation on a theft that took place June 12. While the detective was in the office, two thieves entered the store and started filling their bags with cosmetics, according to the police department. Employees recognized the pair from previous thefts at Sephora.

One employee approached the pair while another alerted the police detective, but the thieves fled with the merchandise, police said. A witness provided the detective with a description of their vehicle and the license plate number. Central Marin police officers stopped the car on Spencer Avenue, near Marin City, after spotting it on southbound Highway 101.

Police found merchandise from Sephora in the car. Destiny Shree Gates, 18, of Richmond, and a 17-year-old girl from Vallejo were arrested on suspicion of burglary, grand theft and conspiracy. Gates was booked into Marin County Jail and the teen was booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall.

Sephora employees said the pair stole nearly $2,500 worth of cosmetics, police said. Additional thefts from the store remain under investigation.

"Gates, the female juvenile, and other suspects yet-to-be identified are believed to be responsible for several other burglaries at cosmetic stores in Novato and the Bay Area," police said.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or similar incidents was asked to contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-4361 or crimetips@novato.org.