TOWN OF LOCKPORT – Three alleged professional shoplifters needed only a couple minutes to loot more than $1,100 worth of merchandise from the South Transit Road WalMart store Thursday evening, according to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s deputies were called after the store’s loss prevention manager noticed the theft on store surveillance video. Deputies said that while one member of the party distracted employees, two others began removing security wraps from packages before concealing the items inside their shopping carts.
One of them pushed his cart straight out the front door without paying for any of the $1,117.91 worth of products, including two laptop computers, some clothing and other goods. All three then met up outside and drove off together, deputies said.
Of the three – each of whom was recognized by the loss manager as having been involved in previous thefts at local WalMarts – one is wanted by Amherst police, another has an upcoming appearance in Lancaster Town Court, and the third one has active warrants from the Lancaster, Amherst and New York City police departments, as well as the Niagara County sheriff’s.
Deputies said that new warrants have been sought for all three on charges including grand larceny, conspiracy and attempted petit larceny. Investigators are trying to track down the three suspects.
Sheriff’s deputies were called after the store’s loss prevention manager noticed the theft on store surveillance video. Deputies said that while one member of the party distracted employees, two others began removing security wraps from packages before concealing the items inside their shopping carts.
One of them pushed his cart straight out the front door without paying for any of the $1,117.91 worth of products, including two laptop computers, some clothing and other goods. All three then met up outside and drove off together, deputies said.
Of the three – each of whom was recognized by the loss manager as having been involved in previous thefts at local WalMarts – one is wanted by Amherst police, another has an upcoming appearance in Lancaster Town Court, and the third one has active warrants from the Lancaster, Amherst and New York City police departments, as well as the Niagara County sheriff’s.
Deputies said that new warrants have been sought for all three on charges including grand larceny, conspiracy and attempted petit larceny. Investigators are trying to track down the three suspects.