WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — West Hartford police are looking for multiple suspects they said stole trash bags worth of merchandise from Macy's and Ulta.
Officials said the robbery happened around 3:50 p.m. Tuesday. According to officials, Macy's Loss Prevention reported four suspects who entered the store with large black garbage backs and began filling them with items.
A Loss Prevention officer tried to intervene and wound up struggling with one of the suspects.
"It was then that one of the suspects made a statement to the guard to indicate that he had a weapon as well as made a motion to his waistband," said Capt. Eric Rocheleau, of the West Hartford police department.
The officer stepped back and the suspects then fled the area.
Minutes later, the Ulta store located just across the street from the mall reported a similar theft.
According to witnesses, three suspects entered the store with garbage bags as well and stole a large number of fragrances.
The suspects then drove from the scene in a dark gray Toyota Highlander that was not located.
"I think it's pretty crazy that people have the audacity to walk in and grab a bunch of stuff," said Allison Napoli, a shopper. "I feel like you hear about it almost every other day," she said.
Police said they try to get ahead of the trend, but unfortunately, these bold robberies are becoming more common. It's something shoppers now have in the back of their minds when they go to the store.
"You think you can just walk in and be safe, but if we were here during that time, that'd be a horrifying experience and it's just really scary," said Tara Goyette of Southington.
Police said if you ever witness something like this happening, never get involved, just call police.
On Tuesday, Ulta reported that they had been alerted by their Waterbury store that they had a similar theft at their store around 3:30 p.m.
No one at the Macy's store or Ulta were injured, according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the West Hartford Police Department at (860) 523-5203.
Gaby Molina is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. She can be reached at gmolina@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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