South Euclid police report a disturbing trend after parents allegedly used their own children to shoplift at the Walmart on Warrensville Center Road.
Lieutenant Bob Abel said two cases occurred at the store in just one week.
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Investigators report a 63-year-old man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly used his 10-year-old son to try and steal a series of items, including several watches.
Police said David Taylor tried used his son to carry the watches past security and out of the store, stuffing his son's pockets with the stolen merchandise.
"It's appalling, you just can't write this stuff, how these parents are not responsible for teaching their kids the right way," said Abel. "These were $14 watches, and the total cost that they tried to take was $171. They're going to get charged more in court."
In a second case, Lt. Abel told News 5 a Cleveland mother actually abandoned her son at the Walmart after her 9-year-old was caught trying to steal two air conditioners.
"The child was 9-years-old, they had purchased two air conditioners, they went outside and the mother sent the child back in to tell them that they never got the air conditioners," said Abel. "There is now a warrant out for the mother's arrest."
Abel said both cases have now been turned over to children services.
Taylor is facing multiple charges, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
"They are actually teaching their kids how to steal, and they're going to teach their kids," said Abel. "It's just disgraceful how these parents are using their kids."
