Irving PD: Suspects who used little girl to shoplift on the run

Irving police say media coverage helped them identify the couple who used a little girl to help them shoplift.

Surveillance video captured the man and woman stealing from several beauty supply stores over the past few months. In some cases, they had the child distract the clerk while they stole products.

Since charges have not been filed yet, police aren’t making the names of the suspects public. But police say they’re now working on getting arrest for the couple that is now believed to be on the run.

Not long after the surveillance video of the robberies aired Thursday night, police started hearing from people who know the couple caught on video using a little girl to help steal. It happened during three visits to an Irving beauty supply store.

The video shows the child handing products to the mom, who then stuffs them down her pants. The dad used the child's body to shield a box he hid in his pants.

MORE: Video shows couple using child to shoplift at Irving store

The manager at the store was in touch with the detective on Friday. He learned the child didn't go to school that day.

Police are working on the belief that they've now taken her on the run but do know who they are looking for.

“I'm thankful for the child's sake that hopefully they will be caught and dealt with,” Jane Levinski, the store manager said. “It's the little girl. She's got a life ahead of her, but you don't teach children to start their life in crime.”

The thefts in Irving happened in July. Police hit some dead-ends but recently learned from another beauty supply chain store that the same couple may have stolen from stores in several North Texas communities.

Irving police say other agencies are also planning to file charges against the man and woman. They say they are grateful for the public’s help.

Anyone who may know the whereabouts of the wanted couple is urged to call Irving police.