Cops: shoplifters stole $2k in merchandise

WESTPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Three out-of-state residents were arrested Monday for stealing more than $2,000 in merchandise from two downtown stores in Westport.

Around 3 p.m. Monday, Westport police received a report from LF stores on Main Street that two women and a man had just stolen clothing from the store and were fleeing in a vehicle with New York plates.

A description of the vehicle and the suspects was put out over the radio to patrol units, and an officer located the vehicle traveling southbound on Riverside Ave. towards I-95.

When police stopped the vehicle, clothing from the LF stores could be seen in plain view under one of the passenger's feet. Additional store merchandise from LF stores and Urban Outfitters were discovered in the vehicle.

Police said two of the suspects had purses with the inside linings cut, which they used to conceal store merchandise.

Tashays Smith, 23, of Mount Vernon, New York; 22-year-old Shimer Weetom, of Bronx, New York; and 26-year-old Fitzroy Bennett, of Ranchocucamonga, California; were all charged with third-degree larceny, third-degree conspiracy to commit larceny, and possession of a shoplifting device.

Smith and Weetom posted a $5,000 bond and were released. Bennett was released by the bail commissioner on a promise to appear.

All are scheduled to appear in court on December 6th.