By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer was contacted by a Saks OFF 5TH Loss Prevention Associate last week regarding a female shoplifter who had just concealed fragrances and left the store.

The officer made his way to Saks, where he obtained a picture of the suspect and viewed surveillance footage of the incident while another officer searched the area.

As soon as the officer received the surveillance image of the suspect he was able to identify the woman as Jennifer Boutin, an allegedly known shoplifter that he and other Somerville Police officers had dealt with at Assembly Row on multiple occasions.

Boutin was observed walking in the area of Canal Street, not far from Saks. The officers noted that she was carrying the same brown purse and jacket she carried in the Saks surveillance footage. She also had a reusable TJ Maxx bag that appeared to be full.

As soon as Boutin saw the officer’s cruiser, she reportedly attempted to evade police by walking in the opposite direction, and entering another store.

The officers apprehended Boutin as she exited the store. A search of Boutin’s purse reportedly turned up merchandise from multiple stores, none of which she had receipts for, as well as two pairs of pliers. According to police, these types of pliers are commonly used by shoplifters to remove theft detection devices.

In addition, the officers located broken sensors inside both her purse and jacket. A search of Boutin’s jacket also revealed a large hole she had cut into the inside lining, in which she had stuffed stolen merchandise.

Without even opening her reusable TJ Maxx bag and another plastic bag she was carrying, the officers could see they were stuffed full of merchandise, some with hangers still attached. Inside the sweatshirt she was wearing the officers located additional children’s clothing.

In total, police located stolen merchandise from Saks, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Gymboree, Oshkosh, Banana Republic, and Bath and Body Works.

According to reports, Boutin has a lengthy criminal history, with multiple larceny and shoplifting charges, some of which she has done jail time for. As she came to Assembly Row with the intent to steal, and stole from six stores during this one incident, which lasted no longer than an hour, she was placed under arrest for removal of theft prevention device and larceny over $1200.