The Mesa Police Department arrested two women Thursday, June 17 after authorities said they stole more than $100,000 worth of merchandise from Walmart in five western states, according to the Mesa Police Department.
Two women are accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of items from Walmart stores across several western states, the Mesa Police Department says. They were arrested on June 17 after police say they did this for several months. https://t.co/AHHKEB48R6
— FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) June 24, 2021
Mary Garcia, 47, and Melinda Rodriguez, 38, face many counts of organized retail theft, Mesa Police Apartment announced. They stole from stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas and Utah, police said. (RELATED: Thief Steals Bag Full Of Items At Walgreens While Security Guard With Phone Does Absolutely Nothing)
“The suspects would enter the stores and scan the items using a smartphone in order to use the quick pay at the checkout,” the Mesa Police Department said. “The problem was once they reached the checkout, payment was bypassed, and they simply walked out with the unpaid merchandise. By using the app, the suspect gave the appearance that they were paying for the items.”
In Maricopa County alone, Garcia stole about $72,000 of goods and Rodriguez stole about $34,000 worth of items, according to Mesa Police.
“Thanks to the strong partnership between Walmart and the Mesa Police Department, thefts like this are not overlooked,” Mesa Police said. “Thefts of this type can cause retailers to raise prices to compensate for loss. By arresting thieves who steal large amounts of merchandise, prices are kept at bay for the everyday honest consumer.”