Undercover Officer on Operation Safe Shopper Detail Spots Shoplifting Suspects Enter Store, Leave With Stolen Clothing

Photo Nov 27, 11 00 23 AM

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Two suspected shoplifters were spotted by an undercover officer walking into Belk, where they stole clothing. Around 8:55 a.m. on Friday, November 27, 2015, a Crime Suppression Unit officer, assigned to Operation Safe Shopper, spotted two females walk into Providence Marketplace’s Belk with a large, empty handbag. Belk was alerted of the suspicious behavior, and the suspects were captured on video surveillance removing a plastic Belk sack from the large handbag that they brought into the store.

Empty Handbag Brought Into Store

Empty Handbag Brought Into Store

Video surveillance revealed that the suspects stuffed the plastic Belk bag with clothing, perfume, and jewelry in an attempt to conceal their criminal actions. After concealing the items, the suspects exited Belk without paying. They were stopped by officers as they drove away from the store.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects, identified as Beverley Johnson, 55, and Laquinta Sanders, 28, both of Nashville, stole $456.00 from Belk. In addition, $172.00 of stolen clothing from JCPenny was discovered in their car. All the merchandise was returned to the two stores.

Officer Shuffles Through Stolen Clothing

Officer Shuffles Through Stolen Clothing

Johnson and Sanders were arrested and booked into the Wilson County Jail, both charged with two counts of Theft of Merchandise – Shoplifting.

Beverley Johnson, 55, of Nashville

Beverley Johnson, 55, of Nashville

Laquinta Sanders, 28, of Nashville

Laquinta Sanders, 28, of Nashville

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