Mom Allegedly Steals Jewelry From Sears

A woman with a history of convictions is facing more charges after an incident at Sears just before Christmas of last year.

Jennifer Rose Harding, 34, of Barnstead, was arrested at 5 p.m. on Feb. 12, and charged with driving after revocation or suspension, two theft by unauthorized taking or transfer charges, two default or breach of bail conditions charges, and a bench warrant.

On Dec. 23, 2013, officers were called to Sears on Loudon Road for a theft charge with the suspect reportedly leaving the area in a silver Audi with out-of-state plates.

The officers met with the employees who alleged that a woman came to the jewelry department at a little past noon and caught the attention of employees because “she seemed to be looking around her and looking at everyone who walked past her.” The woman was with two boys and a girl. The employees showed the officer the video footage and they both alleged it was Jennifer Harding in the video.

The employee alleged that Harding picked up a reusable shopping bag and placed jewelry in it. The employee stated that Harding allegedly picked up three boxes and put them in the bag while placing two rings on her fingers. She then reportedly walked around the store for about 30 minutes, visiting the children’s department, where she allegedly appeared to remove the boxes from the bag. Harding allegedly went to the merchandise pickup door, put down the bag, and left the store.

The employee went to the merchandise pickup door and checked the bag and alleged that there was no jewelry in it and went outside to confront Harding, who was getting into the driver’s seat of her car. Harding allegedly gave back the two rings on her fingers to the man and then drove away.

The employee went back to the children’s area and found two empty boxes for a brass diamond accent bracelet and a silver pendant and chain. The value of all the jewelry was about $400.

“(The employee) showed me the store security video,” according to the officer. “The video corroborated (his) account of the incident.”

The officer looked checked Harding's background and found she was arrested on Dec. 4, 2013, for operating after suspension, in a silver Audi with Connecticut plates. Her bail conditions required her not to commit any crimes and to not drive.

A check of her license came up suspended for failing to pay fines in June 2013, and she had previously convicted of operating after suspension “several times,” most recently, out of Derry District Court in September 2009.

An officer called Harding on a number that was listed in the computer for her and a young boy answered the phone. The boy reportedly told the officer that Harding had just come home from Sears and was now in the shower. The boy was asked to put Harding on the phone and he did.

The officer spoke to Harding and requested that she come back and return the jewelry. She allegedly told the officer that she gave the rings back and that was all she took. The officer requested that she return to Sears to speak with them and she said she had three children at home but she would be there in 30 minutes.

“Harding did not return to Sears,” the officer alleged and an arrest warrant was issued on Dec. 24, 2013.

Harding was picked up on Feb. 12, by Pembroke Police for operating after suspension and she was held on $1,740 cash bail.

Editor’s note: The following story was derived from information supplied by the Concord Police Department and Concord District Court. It does not indicate a conviction.