2 accused of shoplifting at shop with cop event

[August 27, 2010]  PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Two men are accused of using the Portland Police Bureau's annual "Shop With a Cop" back-to-school event as a chance to shoplift.

Police spokeswoman Kelli Sheffer says roughly 60 officers were helping 155 children pick out clothes at a local store Wednesday when the suspects started stuffing shoes, tools and other merchandise into backpacks.

Store security spotted the illicit activity and helped officers arrest 30-year-old Jason Vantress and 20-year-old Shane Alexander.

Though shoplifting with a store full of cops seems risky, Sheffer says the pair figured the officers would be distracted.

[Associated Press]

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