In a brazen act of theft, Ulta Beauty in Evans became the latest victim of shoplifting on Saturday when two suspects loaded up over $15,000 worth of perfumes and left without paying.
Even worse, the same suspects also hit the Augusta Ulta store before coming to Columbia County, and authorities believe they are likely the same crew from the Sumter, S.C., area.
Upon arrival at the Evans store, officers talked to Manager Indhira Cordero, who said that two Black females entered the business at approximately 2:46 p.m. Saturday. The duo swiftly made their way to the perfume section, where they proceeded to pilfer a significant quantity of merchandise. Armed with large reusable bags, the ladies brazenly snatched perfumes from the shelves before making a swift exit from the store without making any attempt to pay for the items.
One of the suspects was described as wearing a jean jacket paired with white washed jeans, adorned with a bonnet and mask concealing her head and face. The accomplice, meanwhile, sported black leggings, a white sweatshirt, and also wore a bonnet and mask for disguise.
Manager Cordero expressed the establishment’s desire to pursue legal action against the perpetrators, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the financial loss incurred by Ulta Beauty as a result of the theft.
Law enforcement officials are currently investigating the incident and are appealing to the public for any information that may aid in the identification and apprehension of the suspects involved. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact local authorities immediately at 706-541-2800.
The theft serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by retailers in combating shoplifting and underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect businesses and deter criminal activity within the community.
An article last week on bizpacreview.com warned that more and more communities are starting to be alerted to the rise in organized theft by criminal illegal aliens. BizPac Review first broached the topic in December, noting at the time that “transnational organized crime groups” from South America were targeting homes and businesses. On Feb. 1, police said two men were involved in a theft at the Ulta in Exton, Pennsylvania, that netted about $2,000 worth of merchandise. They were identified as Albert Torrealba Jordan and Keiver Guilarte Camps, both from Venezuela.
And just this month, California authorities filed charges against the alleged ringleader of a retail crime operation they say spanned 21 counties, involving an estimated $8 million in stolen beauty products. The ring involved a scheme in which the leader paid at least seven people to steal from Ulta and Sephora stores, as well as other retail outlets. The ringleader would then sell the stolen cosmetic items on her Amazon storefront for a fraction of the retail price.
