Upland police seek women who stole over $1,000 in alcohol

Over the weekend, a trio of women executed a theft at GK Market and Liquor in Upland, California, stealing 15 bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne valued at approximately $1,200. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, where the women employed a distraction tactic to divert the store manager's attention while they concealed the expensive bottles under their dresses, referring to them as 'kangaroo pouches.' This theft is part of a concerning trend, as Upland has experienced a 20% increase in shoplifting incidents over the past year. The store manager, Sam, described how one woman engaged him in conversation about various alcohol options, allowing the others to grab the champagne without being noticed. After successfully stealing the merchandise, the women fled the scene in a blue Honda Odyssey with an Oregon license plate. This incident highlights the challenges faced by small business owners in the area, who are increasingly vulnerable to retail theft. Upland police are actively investigating the case and have released images of the suspects on social media in hopes of gathering more information. They are urging anyone with knowledge of the women's identities or whereabouts to come forward. The police department's efforts reflect a broader commitment to addressing the rising crime rates affecting local businesses. As the investigation continues, the community remains on alert, and local authorities are determined to apprehend the suspects to deter future thefts. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues related to retail crime and its impact on small businesses in Upland.