Family used children to steal nearly $4,000 in jewelry from CF Market Mall store

Calgary police laid multiple charges against six family members involved in a jewelry store theft at CF Market Mall on June 17, where an 8-year-old and 16-year-old took nearly $4,000 worth of merchandise while adults distracted staff.

Police say the family entered the store together. While adult members kept employees occupied, the younger pair grabbed several pieces of jewelry before leaving. Staff noticed the theft and called police, who located the youth and one adult member in the mall, and found others in a stolen truck in the parking lot.

A 16-year-old girl was charged with theft under $5,000 and failure to comply with an undertaking. A 25-year-old woman, 34-year-old woman, and 17-year-old male faced three counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, and two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000. Two children, ages 8 and 9, were released to their father, who was not involved.

District 7 Inspector Colleen Bowers called the case particularly disturbing. "Distraction thefts are becoming increasingly common, and Calgarians need to be vigilant whether they're walking down the street or working in a store," she said. "This case is particularly disturbing because children were being used to commit those thefts."