Retail theft ring broken up
MELBOURNE (AP) – Authorities say they’ve broken up a retail theft ring that might have stolen millions of dollars in merchandize from central Florida Publix supermarkets over the past decade.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced six arrests Tuesday. Deputies say the group stole about $1,000 a week in hygiene products. The items were then sold on eBay and at flea markets in Brevard, Osceola, Highlands and Orange counties.
An investigation of the ring began in March after a large number of thefts were reported at a Merritt Island store. Authorities say the suspected thieves, ranging in age from 53 to 68, pretended to be disabled and used motorized scooters. A 22-year-old accomplice helped them sell the stolen items.