Pair Stole $900 Worth Of Items From Super Market In Fairfield: PD

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two Bridgeport women were arrested this month by Fairfield police in connection with the theft of $900 worth of merchandise from a local Stop & Shop, Patch has learned.

On May 16, Ioana Matei, 18, and Diana Calin, 27, were spotted by Stop & Shop personnel selecting $1,500 worth of items before checking out.

"At self-checkout, they scanned only a few items and exited the store without paying for about $900 worth of items," Fairfield Police Sgt. Jenna Wellington wrote in an email to Patch. "While they initially left the scene in a vehicle, officers arriving in the area were able to locate and stop the car shortly afterward."

Calin, the driver, initially provided officers with a false identification, according to Wellington, but once her true identity was confirmed, police also discovered that she did not have a valid driver’s license and that the vehicle was uninsured. A juvenile, related to Calin, was also present during the incident and inside the vehicle at the time.

Both Matei and Calin were charged with fifth-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny.

Additionally, Calin was also charged with risk of injury to a minor, operating a motor vehicle without a license; failure to insure a motor vehicle; and interfering with an officer.

Matei was released on a $5,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Friday. Calin was released after posting a $10,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in court on June 16.