What started as a normal afternoon of shopping at Burlington quickly turned into a full-blown crime scene when two women were caught attempting to steal multiple bags packed with merchandise.
Witnesses say the women moved quickly through the aisles, loading clothing, shoes, and accessories into oversized bags as if they were on a personal shopping spree. “They weren’t even trying to hide it,” one shopper said. “They acted like the store was theirs.”
Security personnel monitoring the cameras grew suspicious after noticing the women repeatedly avoiding the fitting rooms and checkout counters. By the time they reached the exit, the bags were bulging with stolen goods — estimated to be worth several hundred dollars.
That’s when the situation exploded. Store security intercepted the pair at the doors, and moments later, police arrived on scene. Bodycam footage captures the dramatic confrontation: the women arguing with officers, refusing to hand over the bags, and even trying to deny they had stolen anything.
In the video, one officer can be heard firmly saying, “Drop the bags now.” Eventually, the women were forced to the ground as police recovered the merchandise and placed them under arrest.
Bystanders gathered in the parking lot, some filming the incident on their phones. One witness said, “It was chaos. People were screaming, and the cops were just trying to keep control.”
Police later confirmed that both suspects face felony theft and shoplifting charges. Investigators are also looking into whether the two may be connected to a larger organized retail theft ring, as similar incidents have been reported in the area.
As shocking as the footage is, retail theft has become an increasing problem for stores across the country, with many reporting thousands of dollars in losses each week.
This Burlington bust serves as yet another reminder: you may think you can get away with it — but the cameras are always watching, and police are ready to step in.
👉 WATCH the full bodycam footage of this wild arrest — you won’t believe the excuses they tried to make.