Irvine, CA (Dec. 3, 2015): The Irvine Police Department (IPD) has arrested a suspect for stealing over $10,000 from major retail chains in a multi-state “short change” scheme. Ashlie Pentard, 29, of Long Beach, was arrested today, Dec. 3, 2015, for felony commercial burglary.
Since 2013, Pentard visited approximately 150 Target locations throughout California, Arizona, and Utah. In each case, the suspect entered the store and made a small purchase with cash. When the cashier provided change, Pentard would quickly switch the large bills with smaller bills and insist the store had provided her with short change. She then fraudulently collected the purported balance from the cashier and fled the scene. The usual loss was approximately $100 per transaction.
In August and September of 2015, Pentard committed several thefts at Irvine Target stores, and IPD began investigating this case. Through the investigation, Pentard was identified as the suspect. Through the investigation it was determined that Pentard has committed similar crimes at Walmart, Home Depot, and possible other retailers.
Target maintained and provided detailed documentation to IPD regarding the multi-state crime spree to assist in the investigation.
This afternoon, Dec. 3, 2015, IPD detectives observed Pentard commit a short change theft from a Target store in Costa Mesa and arrested her without incident after exiting the store.
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