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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Police in Raleigh announced Wednesday that two women were arrested after they were linked to more than 15 organized retail thefts from Bath & Body Works stores in Raleigh and Durham.
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The two women stole more than $8,300 worth of merchandise from the stores between January and April, according to a Raleigh Police Department news release.
Beatrice Harris, 35, and Latrice D. Leake, 32, both of Wilson, are facing a total of 38 charges in 17 thefts, police said.
The many thefts involved stealing “candles, wallflower bulbs, soaps, and other merchandise” from the Bath & Body Works stores, according to officers.
Room sprays were also listed on arrest warrants as items stolen during the thefts.
An arrest warrant for Harris said 128 wallflower bulbs and 20 three-wick candles were stolen in one haul.
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Stores targeted in the thefts include locations at Brier Creek Commons, Triangle Town Center, and Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, arrest warrants said.
Officers said Harris was charged with:
- Habitual larceny – nine counts
- Misdemeanor conspiracy – eight counts
- Felony conspiracy
- Organized retail theft
Harris has 15 felony convictions in the last 10 years, and has another felony charge pending in Wake and Durham counties, a conditions of release document said.
The news release said Leake was charged with:
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- Misdemeanor larceny – eight counts
- Felony larceny
- Misdemeanor conspiracy – eight counts
- Felony conspiracy
- Organized retail theft
Harris was held in the Wake County Jail on a $50,000 secured bond while Leake was held on a $5,000 secured bond, court documents said.
Raleigh police said that other agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Durham Police Department, Wilson Police Department, and North Carolina Probation and Parole.
“Raleigh Police Department’s Hospitality Unit also played a key role in locating one of the suspects,” the news release said.
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