“T’was more than a month before Christmas when all through the stores, a handful of people were stealing more, more and more.
“The merchandise was hung on the racks with such care, in hopes that paying customers would soon be there. Security were nestled all snug in their posts, just looking for shoplifters who were grabbing the most.
“And police were nearby and ready to arrest, just waiting for calls to pick up unwanted guests.”
Some of those alleged guests included:
Robert Cook, 55, of the 14700 block of Maplewood Avenue, Harvey, was charged with retail theft and criminal trespass October 25 after police said he stole six winter hats from Kohl’s, 3 Orland Park Place. Police said they found the hats inside Cook’s jacket. The value of the hats was $102. Cook was given a lifetime ban from the store.
Gerado Alcala-Gutierrez, 32, of the 6600 block of Kedvale Avenue, Chicago, was charged with felony retail theft, possession of stolen property and resisting a peace officer October 27 after police said they found numerous items from five different stores in his vehicle.
Alcala-Gutierrez was found to have a pair of Nike Air Max golf shoes ($245) from Dick’s Sporting Goods, several jackets from Marshall’s, a Halloween costume from Spirit Halloween and other toys, clothing items and household products from Walmart and Five Below, police said.
He resisted police officers’ commands and attempted to run away, police said.
Briyanna Hardin, 19, of the 700 block of West 155th Court, Phoenix, Ill., was charged with retail theft and possession of stolen property after police said she took a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse gym shoes and a pair of Timberland boots from JD Sports, 541 Orland Square Drive. Police also said she was in possession of stolen undergarments from Victoria’s Secret, 228 Orland Square Drive.
Vanzell Smith, 65, of the 17200 block of Halsted Street, Hazel Crest, was charged November 6 with retail theft after he stole a Chicago Bears’ jersey and a belt from Target, 15850 S. 94th Avenue, police said. Smith put both items inside a backpack and walked out of the store, police said.
Larhonda Jones, 50, of the 400 block of Austin Blvd., Oak Park, was charged November 4 with retail theft after police said she stole two leather wallets ($200) from Von Maur.
Police said Jones was additionally charged with felony retail theft after they found numerous other items of clothing in plastic and canvas bags inside her vehicle with price tags still attached.
The items found in her vehicle were from Nordstrom’s, Target, Marshall’s and Kohl’s, police said. Jones was given a one-year ban from the Orland Square Mall and a lifetime ban from Von Maur, police said.