Joint operation by Katy TX police, loss prevention agents and mall security nab 2 felony shoplifters
Katy TX June 11 2019
Two Houston women face theft charges after the Katy Police Department conducted a June 5 operation at Katy Mills Mall that led to the pair’s arrest and confiscation of clothing and booster bags that manipulate store sensors, said Police Capt. Javier Martinez.
He identified the women as Teniqua M. Baines, 33, and Visha S. Reed, 35. Baines was arrested and charged with theft with two or more prior convictions (State Jail Felony) and Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor). Reed was arrested and charged with theft (Class B Misdemeanor) and possession of a controlled substance (Class A Misdemeanor).
The arrests were a result of a joint operation between the Katy Police Department, loss prevention officers and Katy Mills Mall Security.
The operation was set in place to catch habitual shoplifters targeting Katy Mills Mall retail outlet stores, said Police Chief Noe Diaz.
During the operation, officers observed two females enter several retail outlet stores, carrying empty “booster bags.”
Officers observed the suspects placed store merchandise into their booster bags and passed all points of sale without making any attempt to purchase the items.
Both suspects were quickly apprehended in the mall parking lot area shortly after entering their vehicle.
Police recovered $1,292.34 in merchandise from the suspects and suspect’s vehicle, said Diaz. Officers located two “booster bags,” pliers used to cut off sensors and material used to manufacture the “booster bags.”
Narcotics were also located.
Both suspects were found to have extensive criminal histories, said Diaz.
