Mother arrested for allegedly stealing nearly nine hundred dollars worth of merchandise from Macy’s at Coral Square Mall with three young children present
Coral Springs, Florida – A Coral Springs mother was taken into custody after allegedly stealing nearly $900 worth of merchandise from Macy’s at Coral Square Mall, with her three young children, including an infant, in tow, according to police reports.
Authorities identified the woman as Marwa Cherif, 34, who entered the store on October 11 accompanied by her mother-in-law and three children, ages 4, 2, and 11 months. Cherif reportedly used a stroller to carry the infant while moving through the store’s aisles and loading it with clothes and toys.
According to the police report, store security observed Cherif and her companion fill the stroller with items and then proceed to a fitting room. After leaving the fitting room, the women allegedly walked out of the store without paying for the merchandise.
Security personnel detained Cherif near the mall exit, where officers later discovered 23 stolen items hidden under the stroller seats and in accompanying bags. The total estimated value of the alleged theft was $870.
Cherif was charged with grand theft and taken to the Broward County Main Jail. She was later released on bond. Authorities did not provide further details on the involvement of the mother-in-law or whether the children were in danger during the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about the use of children in alleged criminal activity. While the report does not indicate that the children were harmed, the presence of a newborn and toddlers during a criminal act prompted police and mall security to emphasize safety precautions for minors in public spaces.
Macy’s and mall security staff were praised for their vigilance and swift response, which allowed officers to recover all stolen items without any reported injuries. The store’s loss prevention team reportedly monitored the women closely, which led to the successful intervention before the merchandise could be sold or removed from the premises.
In a statement, law enforcement officials reminded shoppers and parents that the use of children during illegal activities is not only dangerous but also considered an aggravating factor in criminal cases. “It’s critical to ensure that children are protected and not placed in situations that could put them at risk,” a spokesperson said.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities reviewing security footage and statements from store employees and witnesses. Cherif’s arraignment and potential court dates have not been publicly released, and Broward County officials have not commented on any previous criminal history.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about shoplifting at major retail locations and the lengths some individuals may go to avoid detection. Coral Square Mall officials reaffirmed their commitment to store safety, community awareness, and coordination with local law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The children, while unharmed, were reportedly taken into temporary care with family members as authorities processed the arrest, emphasizing the priority of child safety alongside criminal investigations.
