A Chicago couple has been accused of involving four young children in a theft spree at a suburban Macy’s store. Angelo Almaraz, 26, and Thalia Morales, 32, allegedly used their own children, along with two others, to steal nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from the children’s section of the Macy’s in Oak Brook. This incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of retail theft during the holiday season.
According to authorities, Almaraz and Morales had the two eldest children pick items off the racks, which were then handed over to the adults and concealed in Nordstrom Rack bags they had brought with them. The couple’s actions have been described as “extremely disturbing” by DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin.
The group was spotted by a loss prevention officer as they were leaving the store with the stolen merchandise. They quickly fled in a car, but were pulled over by an Oak Brook police officer who found $962 worth of stolen goods inside the bag. Almaraz and Morales were subsequently charged with burglary and retail theft.
Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz expressed his concern over the involvement of young children in criminal activities, stating that it is “heartbreaking” to see adults force them into such actions. However, despite the seriousness of the charges, the couple was released after a judge denied the prosecutors’ motion to detain them pre-trial.
The incident at the Oak Brook Macy’s highlights the ongoing problem of retail theft in the area, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season. Authorities have urged locals and retailers to remain vigilant in order to combat this issue.
It is important to note that this case is not an isolated incident, as retail theft continues to be a concern across the country. The involvement of children in such criminal activities is a distressing trend that demands attention and action from law enforcement agencies and communities.
In conclusion, the Chicago couple’s alleged involvement of young children in stealing from Macy’s brings attention to the larger issue of retail theft during the holiday season. The authorities’ swift response and the ongoing efforts to combat this problem are crucial in ensuring a safe shopping environment for both retailers and customers.
