By Jim Clark

Police were called to Saks Fifth Avenue on 300 Canal St. last Saturday on reports that loss prevention personnel were fighting with an alleged shoplifter in the store’s parking lot area.

Upon arrival, police officers assisted in subduing the suspect, Hacene Merzi, 55, back into the store’s loss prevention office.

Officers said that they noticed bulging underneath Merzi’s clothing, suggesting to them that he had stuffed stolen clothing into his pants.

Once in the store’s loss prevention office, Merzi reportedly removed a blue suit and a pair of jeans from underneath his pants.

Officers noted that Merzi was wearing two pairs of pants, one pair which was tight fitting and another that was looser. Police report that this is a common technique used by shoplifters, aiding them in concealing items they intend to steal.

The loss prevention personnel reportedly told police that Merzi had been suspected of stealing from this store as well as others and has been the target of an ongoing investigation. Police were shown video footage of Merzi’s alleged shoplifting incidents from many stores in locations as far as Manchester, NH.

Police were told that employees were tipped off that Merzi was in their store on that day because he was wearing the same New England Patriots Jersey that he had worn during a previous incident that was recorded on surveillance video.

Merzi was shown the surveillance video reportedly showing him stuffing the suit and jeans down his pants. He then said to police, “I don’t need to watch this, I know I did it. I’m sorry, I know I took the stuff,” according to reports.

Merzi was placed under arrest and charged with larceny over $250.

Police arranged to receive copies of the surveillance videos for use as evidence.