Palm Beach County, FL: Fourth suspect arrested in countywide Organized Retail Theft ring
A fourth suspect was apprehended this week in connection with an alleged retail theft ring that targeted stores throughout Palm Beach County. Christina Faye Bermudez, 34, was arrested Monday on charges of petit theft and dealing in stolen property. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office alleges that Bermudez coordinated the theft of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from several stores, including Home Depot, Home Goods, Marshalls, Lowe's and Target. Her husband, Jose Bermudez, and their alleged accomplices, Robert Bianchi and Sabrina Gillett, were previously arrested in connection alleged retail thefts. The alleged thefts occurred between April and June, the sheriff's office said. Christina Bermudez allegedly coordinated an effort in which items were stolen from the sales floor and then returned for refunds, or sold to pawn shops. Bermudez and others reportedly told investigators they committed the thefts to support their drug habits. palmbeachpost.com

Gastonia, NC: Man stole nearly $2K in Whitestrips from Target
Target reported three separate incidents of larceny from this past weekend, each involving the theft of hundreds of dollars of oral hygiene products. The Cox Road Target is the same location where, back in March, $2,500 in merchandise was taken in four separate larcenies over a span of four days. Items taken then included Crest Whitestrips, Fitbit watches, Nicorette gum and Gillette Fusion razors. gastongazette.com

Portage, IN: Two Lake County men were arrested Tuesday afternoon after police said they were caught stealing and attempting to return merchandise for cash at Walmart
According to police, Matthew Newbolds, stuffed two Braun razor heads, valued at $85, down his pants and left the store without paying. A loss prevention officer watched Newbolds go to a car in the parking lot and hand them to another man, who then entered the store and attempted to return the items. nwitimes.com

Olympia, WA: Sports gear shop used as Drug front
Four Olympia men were arrested Friday after they allegedly used Score, a used sporting goods shop, as a front to sell and use drugs. thenewstribune.com

UK: Six Men Jailed for Large Scale Organized Shoplifting Operation
A group of shoplifters who took part in a large scale organised shoplifting operation across West Yorkshire and beyond have been sentenced to a total of more than 22 years in prison. Officers from the Protective Services (Crime) launched an investigation in late 2015 into the shoplifting that took place in supermarkets in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and the North East region. They found that the crime was worth over $75,000 and involved 39 cases. westyorkshirepolice.co.uk

Europe: Gang networks in Europe 'forcing children to steal'
Dutch police say some 300 children are being exploited across Europe by gangs that force them to steal $1,100 a day. Four networks were uncovered operating in the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Croatia and Bosnia, police said. Six missing children from the Netherlands were found in appalling conditions in Spain last week when a couple in their 40s were arrested. Prosecutors say the practice is a modern type of slavery. bbc.com

Milford, CT: JCPenney employee arrested for stealing $400 of merchandise