Mother, son duo steals over $1M in merchandise

BROWARD COUNTY, Fl. (WHDH) -- A mother and son duo were arrested and accused of stealing more than one million dollars in merchandise.

Police in Broward County, Florida said the son is responsible for thefts at 31 Toys "R" Us stores in Florida.

They believe the suspects' goal was to take the theft ring nationwide.

"You see them come into camera with a shopping cart and a large box. And then they are going to start stuffing the expensive items into the box, which they've already removed the contents from,” said Sergeant Rich Rossman of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

Broward County detectives said the man in the surveillance video is Michael Pollara.

Police said they are about to arrest an accomplice, as well as Pollara’s mother.

All are participating in a very efficient crime scheme.

Police said their surveillance camera caught the thieves placing expensive items inside a large box that should hold something cheap.

Deputies said the mother eventually pays the price on the box, and the team leaves the store.

Pollara, behind bars, was charged with multiple counts of grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

His mother was also booked on charges of grand theft.

The task force that stopped them said Pollara has been stealing for over ten years, and has stolen items from all kinds of retailers.

They estimated that he made a million dollars over the last several years.

"One of his goals was to visit all 50 states, and commit thefts in all 50 states, which he was very proud of he did succeed,” said Sgt. Rossman.

Pollara told detectives that he made so much money stealing from CVS stores alone that he took in enough cash to fund a nice vacation to Hawaii.