Cape Coral Woman Allegedly Used Child To Steal From Target

A Cape Coral woman faces serious charges after allegations she used a child to steal more than $1,000 in merchandise from a local Target.

At a Glance

Elizabeth Novac allegedly used a child under 10 to steal $1,111 worth of goods from Target.
The incident took place on October 12, and the theft was reported to police.
Target employees documented her actions, leading to Novac’s arrest on October 17.
Novac is charged with grand theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Incident Details: Theft at Target

Cape Coral police reported on October 12 that Elizabeth Novac, 23, was arrested after allegedly orchestrating a theft involving a child under 10 years old. Target’s loss prevention staff provided video footage allegedly showing Novac “loading a cart up with merchandise” and directing a child to exit the store without paying. The stolen items allegedly included a barista machine and a vacuum cleaner, valued at approximately $1,111.

Target employees quickly recognized the suspicious activity and reported it. Novac was identified and apprehended following a brief police investigation. Detectives used surveillance imagery to circulate Novac’s photo, leading to officers identifying and arresting her on October 17.

A woman was arrested after she allegedly used a "child under the age of 10" to steal over $1,000 worth of items from Target.https://t.co/35GPVl7ly7

— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) October 20, 2024

Elizabeth Novac Faces Charges

Authorities charged Novac with grand theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The child involved was reportedly directed by Novac to steal, but further details regarding the child’s identity or Novac’s relationship with the child remain undisclosed. Police said they recognized the suspect, leading to her arrest on suspicion of theft and related charges.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining if there is a larger network or motivation behind the incident. Novac awaits court proceedings to address the allegations against her.

Retail Theft: An Ongoing Concern for Target

According to reports, Target reported a significant increase in shrink losses in 2023 compared to the previous year. Shrink can be caused by a number of factors, including errors and other issues in the business’s processes. However, it can also be caused by theft, which Target has been working to prevent. This year, the company lowered its shoplifting intervention price threshold from $100 to $50. Certain employees are specifically trained in order to deal with these types of incidents.

This latest incident in Cape Coral underscores the complexities of retail theft schemes, highlighting areas for security enhancements at brick-and-mortar locations. Continuous partnerships between corporations and local police are key to mitigating theft risks and upholding community safety.