Oak Brook Theft Suspect Didn't Get Far: Cops

OAK BROOK, IL – Shoplifting occurs a lot, but cops usually aren't waiting outside the store to stop a suspect.

But that was the case last week at Macy's department store in Oak Brook, Oak Brook police said.

On Thursday afternoon, officers were called to what the store believed was a burglary in progress.

A woman later identified as Tanya Tidwell, 52, of Chicago, was seen entering a fitting room with Polo and Calvin Klein merchandise, police said.

Police said Tidwell then concealed the clothing in a foil-lined bag, which is commonly used by shoplifters to evade security systems.

Officers were waiting outside the store when she left without paying for the items, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors.

"According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, in 2022, retail theft amounted to nearly $100 billion in losses nationwide," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the release. "Contrary to popular belief, retail theft is not a victimless crime with consumers, employees, business owners, shareholders and entire communities bearing the cost."

A DuPage County judge set Tidwell's bond at $125,000, requiring 10 percent be paid to be released.

Tidwell was charged with one count of burglary and two counts of retail theft, all felonies.