Three women from Toronto are facing charges after police discovered more than $7,000 in stolen merchandise concealed within specially altered skirts.
Police say the investigation began on Saturday, when an off-duty Port Hope Police officer spotted three women at a Dollarama store in Port Hope who matched the description of suspects wanted in connection with a previous theft.
The officer notified colleagues on duty, who later found the suspects’ minivan parked at the Northumberland Mall in Cobourg. Officers observed the trio leaving another Dollarama store before conducting a traffic stop and detaining them.
A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of stolen items — including Tylenol, Advil, lighters, chocolate bars, gum, and various household goods — with a total estimated value of $7,021.
Police say the women had modified their long skirts with zippered compartments designed to conceal merchandise.
Three women, aged 47, 32, and 27, were each charged with theft over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.
All were released on undertakings with conditions and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.