2 Minors, 1 Adult Charged in Christmas Eve Shoplifting: Police

TROY, MI – Two step-brothers, ages 12 and 13, were referred to juvenile authorities and the 21-year-old man who was with them was charged with retail fraud in what Troy police described as a Christmas Eve shoplifting spree.

When detained about 3 p.m. Thursday by a loss prevention officer at Kohl’s Department Store, 500 John R Road, the adult had $210 worth of merchandise he hadn’t paid for, the 13-year-old attempted to steal $180 in store merchandise and the 12-year-old attempted to steal $242, Troy police said in a report.

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The 21-year-old suspect was charged with second-degree retail fraud, a misdemeanor.

The younger suspects were also charged with second-degree retail fraud and released to their parent and step-parent, who agreed to bring them to juvenile court at a later date.

Police investigated three other incidents of alleged shoplifting on Christmas Eve.

At 4:26 p.m., a 49-year-old Birmingham man was stopped by a Neiman Marcus loss prevention officer before he could leave the store at 2705 W. Big Beaver Road with $2,150 worth of merchandise, police said.

He was arrested and charged with first-degree retail fraud.

At 1:07 p.m., police were called to Sears, 300 W. 14 Mile Road, to break up a fight and assist a loss prevention officer in taking a suspected shoplifter into custody.

The suspect, a 21-year-old Chesterfield man, attempted to steal about $354 worth of merchandise.

When police searched the man, they found a baggie containing marijuana. The suspect was charged with second-degree retail fraud, assault and battery, and possession of marijuana.

At 1:06 p.m., two Detroit women, ages 26 and 29, attempted to steal $334 worth of merchandise from Macy’s Department Store, 500 W. 14 Mile Road, police said.

Both face second-degree retail fraud charges.