Police in Thurston County arrest seven people during shoplifting sting

Lacey police arrested seven people during a shoplifting sting last week at South Sound Center, according to police.

The sting, or what police called a "shoplifting emphasis," took place at the shopping center off Sleater Kinney Road over a seven-hour period July 26. It was organized by police and the retailers Target and Marshalls.

According to police, of the seven arrests:

• Two suspects were chased down on foot.
• One man was seen removing batteries from a scooter at Target, then placing them in his car. A woman associated with the man also was taken into custody for having stolen merchandise.
• One suspect managed to drive away from the scene in a vehicle with no license plates, according to police.

A similar sting in April at the same location resulted in four arrests.