SD Mall Shoplifting Arrest Comes Amid Increased Holiday Patrols

SAN DIEGO, CA — A woman was arrested for shoplifting and trespassing at Westfield UTC after being accused of stealing items from multiple stores while officers were already patrolling the shopping center as part of an increased holiday enforcement effort this week, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Police said officers were on patrol at the mall when the woman, who had previously been told to leave the property earlier in the morning, remained on site and began stealing items. The woman is accused of taking money from an ice cream shop’s tip jar before entering a Nordstrom, where she selected a bottle of perfume and a bag of nuts and left the store without paying.

Because officers were already nearby, the woman was taken into custody without incident, police said. She was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of shoplifting and trespassing.

Police are urging the public against shoplifting, especially during the holiday season. The department said it has deployed additional officers to shopping centers across the city during the holiday season to help ensure the safety of shoppers, families and retail employees and to deter theft-related crimes.