Austin, Texas police apprehended nine individuals this week in connection with four separate shoplifting incidents at Target, Kohl's, and Lowe's near Lakeline Mall, as the holiday shopping season kicks off. The operation resulted in the recovery of approximately $7,500 worth of stolen merchandise.

In one incident at Kohl's, four individuals allegedly attempted to conceal unpaid merchandise in an empty baby stroller. Confronted by police outside the store, the suspects abandoned the stroller but were swiftly apprehended. Authorities recovered around $1,100 in goods from the stroller and an additional $1,200 worth of stolen items from their vehicle. The suspects, Melain Gomez (20), Alexis Garza (25), Jesus Jimenez-Gomez (22), and Jessica Gomez (23), were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, a third-degree felony.

Another incident involved a repeat offender, Javier Rios, who allegedly left a Lowe's store with an AC unit valued at $2,156 without paying. Police also recovered a shower kit worth $609 from his vehicle, believed to be stolen from a different Lowe's on the same day. Rios faces charges of theft and state jail felony, in addition to two outstanding warrants for larceny.

At a Target store, Donovan Clausen (23), another repeat offender, allegedly attempted to flee with $614 worth of stolen merchandise but was apprehended in the parking lot after being confronted by store employees. He met with Christina Shell (44) at his car, where police discovered $1,050 in stolen jewelry and beauty products from Target and Kohl’s, along with narcotics. Clausen was charged with theft and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, while Shell faces two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Finally, Martin Morales (54), another repeat offender, allegedly abandoned a cart full of unpaid merchandise at Target and fled to his car. Police apprehended him and the driver, Crystal Overby, who had an outstanding warrant. Morales was arrested for theft and state jail felony.

Molly McClanahan, assistant manager at Hemline Austin, commented on the prevalence of shoplifting, noting that larger stores are often targeted due to the ease of concealment and escape. Hemline Austin has implemented measures to deter theft, such as limiting the number of items customers can try on in dressing rooms.