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Riverhead Town Police have arrested five people on a total of 11 petit larceny charges following a series of undercover operations aimed at curbing retail theft.
The Riverhead Crime Control Division and COPE Unit worked with store security at various retailers to conduct investigations over several days. The initiative comes in response to a rise in shoplifting incidents throughout the town.
Retailers that took part in the operation include Nike, Hollister, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, HomeSense, Five Below, Target, Old Navy, Sunglass Hut, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Victoria’s Secret, Coach, Polo and Home Goods.
Police identified those arrested as:
- Melissa Kust, 43, of Flanders – seven counts of petit larceny
- Andre Carter, 29, of Brooklyn – one count of petit larceny
- Nery Pantaleon-Barrios, 21, of Flanders – one count of petit larceny
- Hailey Barahona, 20, of Lake Grove – one count of petit larceny
- Donald Gonzales, 60, of Medford – one count of petit larceny
Riverhead Police say undercover officers will continue monitoring stores to deter theft. Storeowners interested in participating in future operations can contact the Riverhead Police Crime Control Division at 631.727.4500, ext. 274.
Top photo: Michael Kors is among the retailers taking part in the retail theft crackdown in Riverhead, police said (Google Maps).
