Rheem Valley Shoplifting Incident Draws Attention

Perhaps it is because local attention has been focused on the possible arrival of a Dollar Tree at the old Blockbuster location at the Rheem Center, but an apparent shoplifting incident at TJ Maxx today sure got everyone's attention.

Our email box lit up with notes from folks who saw a young lady (bleached blond, early 20s, likes designer clothes) race from the store shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, running to a creme colored VW convertible and holding off a loss prevention officer who could not get her out of her car.

"She was sassing him, saying 'why do I need to do that?' and 'I don't have to get out of my car' and all that time she's putting it in reverse and she hauls out of the parking lot while he's standing there," said Marie Cannell, up from Alamo for lunch with friends. "I think he took her picture with a phone camera or something... he didn't look happy."

Lamorinda Patch called the store for the back story and we were directed to "Department 14."  Department 14 turned out to be a human being and probably someone in Loss Prevention. He would not give his name.

Department 14 was very pleasant but also declined to say what happened in his store, referring us instead to TJ Maxx's corporate offices.  We have not yet heard from them.

Our story on the Dollar Tree attracted quite a bit of attention, as you can see, and Moragans seem very interested in what's happening down at the center.  In our comment string, posters have said they have seen incidents similar to today's drama unfold "all the time" at TJ Maxx while others say the shopping experience there is always pleasant.

"If they say that, they're smoking something," said self-described "pro shopper" Ann Perryman.  "They're arresting someone down there all the time."

But on our story about the Dollar Tree "dp" wrote: "The last time I was there (TJ Maxx) was last night and I got some nice jeans for $20, no handcuffs in sight."

The issue of what type of business is suitable for Moraga's distressed downtown area may come to a head next week, when Moraga's planning commission evaluates the Dollar Tree's request to set up shop at the Rheem Valley Center.

Factions concerned about what another low value retail option may do to the town's somewhat posh image are expected to engage other locals grateful that a large chain is coming to town.

Hopefully, no one will lock themselves in their car in protest - because then we'd have to call "Department 14."