EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Three Minnesotans believed to be connected to thefts at several retail stores throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin were arrested last week in Eau Claire, officials say.

The Eau Claire Police Department said they made the arrests on Thursday, Nov. 6, when officers were called to the Oakwood Mall on a report of a theft. Staff at one of the stores reported that a suspect from a prior theft had returned to the store, Eau Claire Police said in a social media post. The suspect was seen with two other people, who officials say are believed to be responsible for retail thefts totaling more than $150,000 in merchandise.

According to police, loss prevention staff used a theft tracking database to connect the suspects to various thefts.

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