Police Thwart Shopping Swindlers

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 10/349/0163/LHC/(3)
December 15, 2010

Police Thwart Shopping Swindlers

McLean Police District – Phony credit cards, stolen identifications, and out-of-state shoplifting scammers are being targeted by Fairfax County Police Retail Anti-Theft Teams (RATT) this holiday season. In an annual effort that began “Black Friday,” RATT officers have arrested dozens of people, many of whom face both felony and misdemeanor charges. They’ve also recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars worth in merchandise; including one haul of approximately $58,000.00 worth of stolen cologne, perfume, and clothing items, later recovered in a hotel room in Prince William County.

Professional shoplifting rings are nothing new, but according to detectives they seem to be especially prevalent this holiday season. Teams of Fairfax County officers are working in shopping malls and retail businesses in both uniformed and plain-clothes capacities. They are targeting all shoplifters but particularly the “professionals” that distract store employees while associates across the store attempt to conceal and steal merchandise.

One recent incident took place Saturday, December 11 resulting in the arrests of three New York men who were allegedly using phony identification numbers to set up multiple iPhone accounts. Working with store personnel and loss prevention officers, RATT officers investigated the scam that uncovered over 50 stolen identifications and a trunk-load of iPhones, bound for potential re-sale back in New York. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, marijuana was also discovered. The men were each charged with obtaining money under false pretenses and possession of marijuana. Additionally Khurram Syed, 26 of Hicksville was also charged with identification theft of more than 50 identifications. The other men were Rameez Mahmood, 23 of Malverne and Sandeep Pillai, 21 of Hickville.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.