Photo: Sephora in Novato
NOVATO — Two women arrested on June 25th are suspected of being part of a group of thieves who have been targeting cosmetics stores. This organized group is believed responsible for numerous thefts in stores all over the San Francisco Bay area.
As part of a wider investigation, a Novato police detective was at a Sephora store, where thefts occurred recently. The two suspects showed up at just the right time, and they were recognized by store staff.
While the detective was still inside the store, both women entered the store and began filling bags with cosmetics. One employee approached the women asking them to leave the premises.
Another employee alerted the detective that a theft was in progress. While the detective was walking towards a display area, both women fled from the store. They took the merchandise with them without paying for it.
Another shopper saw the thieves fleeing from the store. The witness was able to provide the detective with a description of the women’s car, and license plate number.
A Novato police dispatcher broadcast the information for nearby agencies to be on the lookout for the suspect’s car. Before too long, an officer with the Central Marin Police Authority spotted the car—a red Honda Civic.
The officer saw the suspect’s car traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 101. A traffic stop was conducted near Spencer Avenue, on the outskirts of Marin City. Both young ladies were detained awaiting the arrival of Novato police.
Property stolen from the Sephora store in Novato was found inside the suspect’s car. Store employees reported the retail value of the stolen cosmetics is nearly $2,500.
Novato police arrested both suspects. One suspect is 18-year-old Destiny S. Gates, a security guard from Richmond. Her unidentified companion was also arrested, a 17-year-old girl from Vallejo.
Gates is being held at Marin County Jail in lieu of $45,000 bond. Her open charges include burglary, grand theft and conspiracy to commit crime. Additional charges for similar crimes were added on June 26.
