Five people arrested in apparent shoplifting ring

Five people are now facing theft charges following what appears to be an organized shoplifting ring.

According to Delaware State Police, they received a report on Tuesday, of a suspicious car parked in the parking lot of the Seaside Outlets with people possibly shoplifting items from stores.

Police say they made contact with four people inside of the car, and saw several bags of suspected merchandise in the back seat. Reports say police searched the car and confirmed the merchandise as stolen. The merchandise was apparently from multiple stores, including Nike, J. Crew, Under Armor, and American Eagle. It was reportedly valued at more than $2,600.

According to reports, troopers also found three metal wire cutters that were used to take off the anti-theft devices that are attached to the merchandise, along with drug paraphernalia.

Tiffany A. Barnes, 24, Amber R. Smith, 32, Tyler Floyd, 23, and David A. Floyd, 46, were all taken into custody. They are being held on bond.

They face multiple charges including theft – organized retail crime over $1500 and nine counts of shoplifting under $1500.

A further investigation found that the four all lived in the same house on South Cannon Street in Blades, Delaware. Police say they would bring the stolen merchandise back to their home and it would be purchased by Jorge Ruiz, 53. Ruiz would apparently buy the merchandise in return for a deduction on their rent. Police say Ruiz would then resell the items to other people who came to the house.

A search warrant was conducted of the house, and police say they found more items with a total value of $4,600 along with $1,400 in proceeds from the alleged illegal sales.

Ruiz was taken into custody. He is charged with theft – organized retail crime over $1500 and second degree conspiracy. He was released after posting bond.