Shoplifting training trip for tots at a K-Mart

Two women allegedly brought small children on shoplifting trip

By Globe Staff

Two women allegedly brought two small children along with them when they went shoplifting last week at a Somerville store.

April Robinson of Boston's Roxbury neighborhood and Tarshesha Ross of Somerville, both 26, allegedly stole items at a Middlesex Avenue K-Mart last Wednesday.

The two women had brought along Robinson's 2-year-old child and a 4-year-old who was either Ross's child or niece, according to a Somerville police report.

A store security guard told police he saw the defendants selecting merchandise and handing it to the 4-year-old who then placed it in the rear of a stroller. He said he also saw the child selecting items on her own and putting them there, the report said.

A total of $61.13 worth of items was found in the rear of the stroller, police said. The group also allegedly did not pay for a 20-ounce soda that Robinson gave to her child.

Both Robinson and Ross were also arrested on a number of outstanding warrants, the report said. Robinson also faces a charge of giving a false name to police.

I believe that's called "Skills Training", she should receive an award for her stellar parenting. She's teaching them "to fish" as opposed to just "giving the fish".