Teens caught stealing thousands in merchandise from Walgreens: Irvine Police

Irvine Police says officers stopped a brazen daytime heist of thousands in beauty products from two Orange County Walgreens locations.

It wasn't a smash-and-grab; there was no getaway car waiting. Just two teens attempting to steal cosmetics using homemade pouches that weren't as inconspicuous as they may have hoped.

Kyle Oldoerp with the Irvine Police Department told KNX News' Nataly Tavidian that the teens got creative. They fashioned what Oldoerp called an 'apron with a zipper' that they hid under their dresses.

According to Oldoerp, an officer in the parking lot of one targeted location noticed dozens of items shoved underneath the suspects' dresses bulging out and stopped them.

Oldoerp said they took about $3,000 of products from one Walgreens store and about $1,800 from another.

"I think the trend that everybody is seeing right now across southern California is just an increase in organized retail theft. Whether it's people running out with merchandise, concealing merchandise, as in this case, or distraction thefts," Oldoerp added.

He said the department is asking the community to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious behavior.

This case is headed to the D.A.'s office for prosecution.

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