Sabina Sidhu, 45, is in the Tulare County Jail facing several criminal counts, including theft and burglary.
Visalia police say when they arrested her they found $8,000 worth of stolen items from Walmart stores in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.
Investigators say Sidhu printed her own receipts then went into several big box stores, packed her cart and walked right out of the store without paying.
Sidhu printed her own receipts based on information from prior purchases, Visalia police said.
"They would then go inside the store, select the merchandise that either exactly or closely match the items in that pre-printed fraudulent receipt," said Visalia Police Sgt. Ozzie Dominguez. "They would then exit the store, be contacted by the loss prevention person at the door and show the receipt and walk out."
Dominguez says Sidhu wasn't working alone. She was arrested at her home in Central Fresno last Thursday. "When we conducted the search warrant at her residence we did locate computers, printing equipment and supplies that were used, and ready to go to print additional fake receipts," he said.
Detectives say they found high-end electronics including security cameras, monitors and pricy TV audio equipment.
"We've also learned that we may have other businesses here in town that may have fallen victims to this activity, as well," Sgt. Dominguez said.
Police say there's no telling how much was stolen by the time Sidhu's scam was busted. They're crediting an alert loss prevention employee for recognizing the fake receipts. The tip off was, police say, her fake receipt included an item listed with a holiday sale price from several months ago.
Investigators tell Action News in addition to the merchandise stolen from these stores they also found meth in her Central Fresno home. Sidhu was arraigned on the charges Monday and is being held with a $50,000 bond.
