Undercover cops arrest nine for shoplifting at Newark Acme

Undercover cops caught nine people – including kids as young as 13 – shoplifting from a Newark grocery store during a two-day operation.

The enforcement campaign happened July 23 and 24 at the Acme in The Grove at Newark, where there had been an increase in shoplifting incidents.

“The Newark Police Street Crimes Unit, along with officers from the Patrol Division working in a plain clothes capacity, teamed with multiple Acme personnel to identify and arrest shoplifters in the store,” Lt. Andrew Rubin said.

Those arrested included Wayne Dyches, 61, of Wilmington; Sumner Long, 33, of Newark; Nancy Ranalli, 35, of Claymont; David Desmith, 40, of Wilmington; and Shane Hamby, 51, of Newark. Also arrested were four teen girls, ages 13, 13, 15 and 17.

All the defendants were charged with shoplifting under $1,500. Many were also charged with conspiracy or other related offenses.

In Delaware, the crime of shoplifting is a class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,300 and up to one year incarceration when the value stolen is under $1,500. When the value stolen is $1,500 or more, the crime is a class G felony punishable by up to two years incarceration and a fine in any amount set by the court.