Davao City — A 42-year-old woman from Metro Manila was arrested after allegedly attempting to sneak out goods from a supermarket inside SM Ecoland, raising concerns that she may be part of a roaming shoplifting syndicate targeting major cities.
The suspect, known only by the alias Len, a resident of Purok 10A, Barangay Sauyo, Novaliches, Quezon City, was caught past security after trying to exit the grocery without paying for the items inside her cart.
According to the initial investigation, mall security officer Jeff Riel Maru Loren noticed the suspect pushing a cart loaded with car and home air fresheners. He monitored her movements and saw her bypass a checkout counter without a cashier before heading straight outside the supermarket toward the National Book Store area.
Sensing something unusual, Loren called additional security personnel and asked the woman to present a receipt for the items. When she failed to produce one, she was escorted to the security office.
Recovered from the suspect were 8 disinfectant sprays, 46 car fresheners, various skincare products, perfumes, chocolates, Salonpas packs, and tinted lip balm—all taken without payment.
Security personnel immediately turned her over to the Ecoland Police Station for proper disposition.
Police investigators are also looking into the possibility that the suspect is part of a Metro Manila-based shoplifting syndicate that travels to different cities to steal high-demand items and reportedly resell them at lower prices.
Authorities remind establishment owners to remain vigilant as investigations into the suspect’s possible criminal network continue.