Federal agents have arrested suspects involved in an organized criminal gang of migrants stealing merchandise from stores across New England. The thieves would hide high-ticket items in larger furniture pieces, buy the furniture, then return it for a refund. The group was caught in Rhode Island after a heist and found with stolen goods, cash, and a vehicle. This type of retail larceny can harm communities by driving stores out and removing convenient shopping options.
Key Points
Thieves targeted specific products in large quantities
Used a method of concealing items in larger furniture pieces
Arrests made after a heist in Smithfield, Rhode Island
Stolen goods, cash, and a vehicle seized
Pros
Federal agents taking action against organized criminal activity