(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A DuPage County judge has set bond at $50,000 for a Chicago woman charged with stealing luxury coats at the Oakbrook Mall this weekend in what authorities describe as a “smash-and-grab” operation.
Terri Collins, 21, faces one count of burglary and one count of retail theft in connection with the theft of $17,000 worth of merchandise from high-end retailer Neiman Marcus on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities say Collins met up with several individuals in the store around 3 p.m. and went to the coat section, where they allegedly cut security wires from Moncler-brand coats. The group ran toward the exit, but a security guard knocked merchandise and wirecutters from Collins’ hands, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office said.
Collins was detained, but her accomplices fled, prosecutors said. Additional coats were found inside the store.
“Smash and grab thefts involving multiple individuals are not a crime of opportunity,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “They are well organized by those who resort to violence and sheer numbers to commit their crimes.”
Collins, who appeared in court Sunday, is next due before a judge March 7.
*story by Audacy
