Frustrated Shopper Wanted to Hide Items in ‘Inappropriate Places’ Around Mall: Blotter

A Hazel Crest woman claimed it was all just a misunderstanding when she walked out of clothing store without paying for $118 worth of candy and makeup.

Tamara R. Spero, 54, of the 16900 block of Lincoln Avenue, Hazel Crest, was charged with retail theft, according to a report.

Police were called at about 9:52 p.m. on May 3 to Carson’s, 4 Orland Square Dr., for a woman being held by store employees, according to a report. A witness told police that a woman, Spero, was seen putting several pairs of shoes into a bag after already buying two pairs. When confronted, Spero allegedly took the shoes out of her bag and walked away, police said.

Store security then allegedly saw Spero put a box of candy and some makeup into her purse before leaving the store and entering the rest of Orland Square Mall, according to a report. She was later stopped and the six items, worth $118, were recovered.

Spero told police that the incident was a big misunderstanding and that she wasn’t trying to steal anything, according to the report. She left the store after being unable to find a cashier and planned to leave the items around the mall in “inappropriate places” because of the service she received, according to the report.

Police processed Spero after taking her into custody. She was due on May 20 in Bridgeview court.

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