Authorities say they cracked SC shoplifting ring

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (AP) — Authorities have raided a pawn shop in Goose Creek believed to be at the center of a statewide shoplifting ring.

Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Dan Moon says agents seized merchandise and arrested one woman on Wednesday. He says more arrests are expected and at least one other pawn shop is connected to the ring.

Moon says the operators of the shoplifting ring recruited people and gave them lists of items to shoplift in South Carolina and other states. The merchandise was then either sold at the stores or on-line.

Moon said authorities have linked more than $100,000 worth of stolen merchandise to the ring. The State Law Enforcement Division and several local police agencies are also participating in the investigation.