Retailers gear up for sales-and shoplifters

Norma Ramirez, 27, of Los Angeles allegedly helped Carlos Cardon, 25, of L.A. fill up his baggy pants-tied at the cuffs-with Vons merchandise around 6 p.m. Fri., Nov. 17.

Neither store owners nor police are surprised when it happens this time of year.

It's the shoplifting season.

The two were arrested for felony commercial burglary. They had allegedly entered the Vons supermarket at 2120 Newbury Road in Newbury Park without money and the intent to shoplift, according to Capt. Ron Nelson.

"She loaded up the cart with notions-razors, hand cream, toothbrushes-and helped him put these items into his baggy pants," Nelson said.

Depending on how much loot is taken, shoplifting can be petty or grand theft. If it's determined a suspect entered with the intent to steal, then it's considered burglary--a felony--Nelson said.

"This is the time of year when we get a lot of shoplifters," Nelson said, "Christmas shoppers, wanting to take care of their families, wanting to have more than they can afford to buy."

-Nancy Needham