Woman accused of using kids to steal jewelry
ROGERS, Arkansas -- It's a jewel heist with a twist. Thieves swiping gold and gems is nothing new, but using your children in the process is.
Bella Jewelers hopes that by sharing the video of the unique crime captured at their store the community can help bring the thieves to justice.
"It's a real tragedy that they would use their kids to commit this crime," said Stephanie Martinez, director of Bella Jewelers told KNWA-TV. "For us, that's the most heartbreaking part."
Over $30,000 worth of jewelry was swiped from Bella Jewelers by tiny hands.
"The woman kind of kept a look out while her youngest son went around to steal the jewelry," Martinez said. "As she realized that nobody was there, and she got more confident. She started directing him to go back multiple times, and steal more and more jewelry."
The woman showed her child exact pieces she wanted him to grab
"They were waiting for the right opportunity. They walked in. They scoped it out to see who's around to make sure. Then they go for it," Martinez said.
Rogers police say they haven't seen many cases where children are recruited to shoplift. On top of that, police say the parents will be charged with contributing to delinquency of a minor.
As for what will happen to these kids if they're caught, police say it's up to the court.
"The juvenile system tries figure out know what's going to be in the best interest of the kids," said Keith Foster of the Rogers Police Department. "How can we help them make sure this type of stuff doesn't happen again, and whatever the adult system decides for the parents."
Bella Jewelers is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who helps find the thieves.
