CAMARILLO : Store Worker Helps Track Theft Suspect
A Camarillo record store employee helped authorities arrest one of five suspected shoplifters by chasing them in his own car and copying down the license plate number of their getaway truck, officials said Tuesday.
Authorities arrested the alleged driver of the truck at her Oxnard home two hours after the Monday night burglary. They identified her as Latoya Lanier, 18.
“The employees were keeping an eye on them. They were able to get a license plate number and that’s what made the difference,” said Detective Glenn Sander of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Sander said sheriff’s deputies have identified four others involved in the burglary and were searching for them Tuesday.
Authorities said four men entered The Wherehouse on East Las Posas Road and walked around while Lanier stayed outside in a light blue Ford truck with the motor running. Suddenly, all four picked up records and tapes and dashed out the door into the waiting truck, sheriff’s officials said.
The employee followed and got a description of the car, including the license plate number, before the thieves escaped, authorities said.
About $570 worth of records and tapes were reported stolen, police said.
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