Shoplifting gang busted by police www.privateofficer.com

Shoplifting gang busted by police www.privateofficer.com

PLAINVILLE MASS DEC.22, 2007 - Three Brockton women were nabbed by local police after a shoplifting spree and scam Tuesday throughout the Southeastern Massachusetts area, including South Attleboro.The suspects allegedly stole merchandise from TJ Maxx stores in South Attleboro, Plainville, Raynham and Stoughton, and possibly other locations, Plainville Police Sgt. Scott Gallerani said."They were more than shoplifters," Gallerani said. "They had been making their own checks and passing them off to stores as legitimate, than altering receipts so they could return property and get cash."Forged drivers' licenses and other phony identification were also used, he said.The three woman were finally caught Tuesday afternoon about 2 p.m. by Plainville police in the parking lot outside TJ Maxx in Plainville Commons off Taunton Street."TJ Maxx security alerted us to them," Gallerani said. "They were tracking them all day as they were wheeling and stealing TJ Maxxes."Police recovered nearly $1,000 in cash and $3,000 to $5,000 worth of merchandise in the trunk of the women's vehicle."Coats and handbags were the majority of evidence recovered," Gallerani said.Arrested were Patricia Barrett, 46, Jacqueline Trottman, 41, and Heather Shope, 29, all of Brockton.The women were charged with larceny over $250, receiving stolen property over $250, forgery of checks, uttering of checks and conspiracy. There may be other charges after Plainville police contact the other police departments, Gallerani added.The women were scheduled to have been arraigned Wednesday in Wrentham District Court.Plainville Police Sgt. Corrina Carter, and Patrolmen Todd Holbrook and Julie Barrett assisted in the arrests.