Cranston woman charged in retail theft scheme across New England

CRANSTON, R.I. — Cranston Police say they are investigating an alleged organized retail theft operation that may have spanned several New England states and involved a local woman.

Police said the case developed after information received in the fall of 2025 prompted detectives to begin looking into Lisa Robertson, 54, of Cranston. According to investigators, the alleged activity involved thefts from retail stores throughout New England and required assistance from law enforcement agencies outside Rhode Island, as well as cooperation from store security teams.

As part of the investigation, Cranston Police said they searched a residence on Atwood Avenue in late January. During that search, officers reportedly recovered a large quantity of merchandise believed to be stolen from several retailers. Police estimated the total value of the items seized at approximately $30,000.

Investigators also reported finding materials often linked to organized shoplifting operations, including a bag designed to bypass theft-detection systems and tools allegedly used to remove security tags.

According to police, retail investigators from Victoria’s Secret later reviewed the recovered merchandise and were able to trace more than 100 items back to stores in at least a dozen locations across New England. Authorities believe the items may have been taken over an extended period, with some dating back to early 2025. In total, police said between 227 and 250 pieces of clothing were recovered, with a retail value estimated between $10,000 and $15,000.

Police obtained an arrest warrant charging Robertson with receiving stolen property and related charges. Authorities said she surrendered to police on January 28, 2026, appeared in Third District Court, and was released after posting $5,000 personal recognizance bail. Court records show she is scheduled to return to court on April 29, 2026.

Cranston Police said the case remains under investigation as detectives continue to assess the scale of the alleged operation and determine whether additional suspects may be involved.