MALDEN — Police are investigating a coordinated theft that occurred at the 99 Asian Supermarket on Broadway, where a group of individuals allegedly orchestrated a distraction to steal from a locked office within the store.
The incident, which took place on Oct. 14, was captured by store CCTV, showing at least six people, believed to be women, and one man who appeared to scope out the store prior to the theft.
The suspects were seen using an object to pry open the office door while other members of the group distracted employees.
Before the theft, the suspects, all of whom appeared to be women, exited a white Honda Odyssey with a suspected California license plate and entered the supermarket at 60 Broadway.
They strategically positioned themselves around the locked office, with one woman forcibly opening the door and another entering the office for about two to three minutes before exiting the store and returning to the vehicle.
Additional CCTV footage from outside the store revealed that another white SUV seemed to follow the Honda Odyssey as it left the area.
Authorities believe that the group has conducted similar thefts before and may target other communities.
The Malden Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying the individuals involved or information on their whereabouts.
