Saugus Police Arrest Boston Women for Allegedly Stealing More than $6,000 in Merchandise from Square One Mall and Kittery, Maine Outlets

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-666-2012
Email: john@jgpr.net

Saugus Police Arrest Boston Women for Allegedly Stealing More than $6,000 in Merchandise from Square One Mall and Kittery, Maine Outlets

SAUGUS — Police Chief Domenic J. DiMella reports that fast-responding Saugus Police Officers on Friday foiled a major interstate shoplifting operation and recovered more than $6,000 worth of stolen goods from Massachusetts and Maine.

Saugus Police were notified on Friday evening by loss prevention at one of the stores in the Square One Mall, who were on the lookout for shoplifting rings, that two women were going from store to store, stealing items. Staff had already witnessed the women steal from three stores in the mall before bringing the products out to a vehicle and returning inside for more.

Officers arrived quickly and arrested ANA OLIVEIRA, AGE 44, OF BOSTON and MELISSA LOPES, AGE 32, OF BOSTON. They were each charged with Larceny over $250 and Receiving Stolen Property over $250. Additional charges may be pending.

Officers found that the two women had more than $800 in stolen merchandise in their possession when they were caught. A check of the vehicle, registered to Oliveira, showed a large quantity of goods in plain view.

A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle, and investigators later found a very large quantity of goods, believed to have been stolen from the mall and from outlet stores in Kittery, Maine.

Kittery Police were notified and brought into the investigation.

The Saugus Police Investigation revealed that the women had allegedly stolen items from 15 different stores in Saugus and Kittery. A total of 435 items were recovered, valued at more than $6,000.

The stolen items included clothing and various household items.

Chief Dimella would like to recognize Sergeant Paul VanSteensburg, Officer Michael Richards and Officer John Naglieri for their investigate efforts and dedication. Chief Dimella would also like to recognize collaborative effort between Patrol Division and Criminal Investigation Division, for quickly and diligently bringing this case to fruition.

“This was a total team effort. Loss prevention at the stores brought this to our attention, our patrol units responded quickly, and our Saugus Police Detectives put together an excellent case that has shut down an interstate shoplifting effort,” Chief DiMella said. “I am very proud of our officers.”

The suspects will be arraigned Wednesday in Lynn District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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