UPDATE: A 45-year-old woman from Griffith has been arrested and charged with shoplifting after allegedly stealing a $99 spot cleaner from a department store. The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 PM on July 29, 2023, when the woman entered the store on Banna Avenue.
Authorities report that the woman scanned five items totaling just $2.40 at the self-serve register before attempting to leave the store. An employee, conducting routine receipt checks, stopped her, prompting a police call. Officers arrived shortly thereafter and found her engaged in a dispute with staff.
Upon investigation, police discovered that the woman had an outstanding arrest warrant. She was taken into custody and transported to Griffith Police Station, where additional items believed to be stolen were uncovered in her handbag. She now faces charges of theft and is scheduled to appear before Griffith Local Court at a later date.
In a related warning, police are advising the public to be cautious after a local man lost $1,000 in an online scam involving a second-hand phone. The victim, seeking an iPhone Pro Max, arranged to meet the seller on Facebook Marketplace near Deniliquin at around 9 AM on August 3, 2023. Upon returning home, he discovered that the phone was locked and registered to a rental company.
Police urge online shoppers to verify the functionality of items and ensure they have detailed seller information to avoid falling victim to scams. As the situation continues to develop, local authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat theft and fraud in the community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story and ensure your safety when shopping online.
