GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — Three people are accused of using a common kitchen item to sneak past shoplifting detectors across several states.
Target security officials said the trio used aluminum foil to steal hundreds of items from stores in three states. Gwinnett County police told Channel 2's Jeff Dore that career criminals have long used foil to shield stolen items from the electronic theft-sensors in stores, but Target stores are filled with surveillance cameras and loss-prevention specialists who targeted South Carolina residents Francis McAbee, 71, James Wooten, 35, and 33-year-old Angela Wooten.
Target officials told Gwinnett County police the three were wanted for shoplifting at 18 Targets, and security people began following them using store cameras as soon as they showed up in the Target on Venture Drive in Duluth.
According to a police report, guards saw them put razors, medicines, soaps and lip balm into foil-lined bags and leave the store without paying. As they walked out, Gwinnett County police officers were waiting for them. They were jailed on charges including theft by shoplifting and racketeering.