3 people arrested for targeted attacks on victims in organized shoplifting

(KRON) — Three suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged organized shoplifting spree specifically targeting Target stores, San Mateo police said Monday. San Mateo police officers responded to a report of a theft in progress at Target in San Mateo at 3:47 p.m. Sunday.

According to police, Target Asset Protection employees observed a man and a woman hiding items in a suitcase and then leaving the store through a rear fire door without paying. Officers arrived on the scene and located the suspects outside the store.

The total value of the stolen goods was about $808, according to police.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects were connected to a vehicle parked in the parking lot that was occupied by another woman. Officers made contact with that woman and found items in the vehicle that were identical to those the other two suspects had just stolen.

Further investigation and statements from the suspects revealed that all three suspects had previously visited another Target location in San Mateo County – likely the Colma Target. Target Asset Protection confirmed this.

The items in the car had been stolen from the Colma Target, police said. They were valued at around $280.

All three suspects were arrested for organized shoplifting. The male suspect was found in possession of methamphetamine and was subsequently charged with drug possession.

The suspects were identified as follows:

• Andrea Appleton, 32, of San Francisco
• John Gough, 45, of San Francisco
• Kayla Kunze, 39, from San Francisco

All three suspects were taken to the San Mateo County Jail.