Crime & Safety
Theft Ring That Targeted Philly, Suburban Stores Busted: Reports
Authorities said they arrested a woman the accused of organizing a theft crew that targeted stores in Philly, Ardmore, and King of Prussia.
![Authorities said the theft crew stole about $75,000 worth of merchandise from various stores in the area since November 2023.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22896833/20240604/021017/styles/patch_image/public/policelights2___04140945830.jpg)
PHILADELPHIA — Authorities in Philadelphia said they have made arrests that broke up an organized theft ring that targeted stores in and around the city.
Philadelphia Police Tuesday said Janiyah Robinson, 19, was the leader of the ring, according to NBC10.
She and Ayonna Robinson, 24, were taken into custody after a theft at the Center City Lululemon on Thursday.
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Fox 29 reports the ring comprises seven other people who authorities said committed about 20 grab-and-go thefts since November 2023. In two instances, a 9-year-old child was used to help commit the thefts, according to Action News.
The ring targeted Lululemon and Givenchy stores in Philadelphia, Ardmore, Upper Merion, authorities said.
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Jahide Robinson, 18; Ayonna Robinson; and Amber Pecola Robinson, 32; and Aainyae Robinson, 21; all of Philadelphia, were charged with felony retail theft and felony receiving stolen property in connection with a May 14 theft at the Ardmore Lululemon store.
In total, the ring has stolen about $75,000 worth of merchandise that authorities said they would resell locally after running into stores, filling bags with merchandise, then driving off, reports state.
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Janiyah Robinson had bail set at $180,000.
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