Shoplifting Suspect Stopped with $700 in Merchandise

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BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - A 23-year-old Auburn Hills woman with previous shoplifting convictions has been charged with enhanced first-degree retail fraud after she allegedly stole more than $700 worth of merchandise from a Target store earlier this month, Bloomfield Township police said.

Amarea Jessyca Ringstaff left the store at 2400 Telegraph Road with a shopping cart full of merchandise and got into an awaiting vehicle, which fled the scene, according to a news release. Police caught up with the vehicle on Telegraph Road north of Square Lake and took her into custody without incident.

Ringstaff was arraigned before 48th District Court Judge Julie Nelson-Klein, who set bond at $50,000 cash. Her next court appearance is a probable cause hearing at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, also in 48th District Court.

Bloomfield Township police said holiday shoppers expect to see more police officers patrolling business districts through the remainder of the holiday season. Some will be on foot, and others will be in marked and unmarked patrol cars.

The emphasis of the patrols is prevention and detection of retail fraud and vehicle break-ins.