By Jim Clark 

Police were called to the Kmart store on Middlesex Ave. last Saturday to investigate a reported larceny.

Upon arrival, officers were briefed by the store’s loss prevention personnel, whereupon they were informed that one of the store’s cashier’s had been allegedly involved in a scheme to allow certain customers to leave the store with goods that were unpaid for.

Reportedly, Phillip Rogers, 53, of Boston, and Laurie Ann Garrett, 41, of Malden had taken various items to the checkout stand operated by Maria Crooker, 47, of Everett, and while a few of the items were scanned for sale, others would be placed in a bag by Crooker without being scanned, police said.

Store loss prevention personnel had taken notice of this activity prior to Rogers and Garrett leaving the store and all three parties were detained until police arrived.

It was noted by loss prevention personnel that another individual was involved in the activity but the person fled after being confronted.

Upon questioning by police, Crooker reportedly told them that she felt bad for the customers involved so she scanned some items and placed others in bags without scanning them.

All three parties were placed under arrest and charged with larceny over $250 and conspiracy.