A Dorchester man was arrested at the South Bay mall last week after authorities say he was caught shoplifting and is suspected of stealing tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise from retail stores across several states.
According to Boston Police, officers assigned to District C-6 responded around 4:49 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to a report of a shoplifter being held by store security at a Target location the South Bay mall.
Loss prevention personnel told officers that the suspect had allegedly concealed 27 bottles of lotion inside a large duffel bag and attempted to leave the store without paying. Store staff intervened before the suspect exited the premises.
Police were also informed that the individual had previously been issued a trespass notice from the store in November. Investigators believe the suspect may be connected to a broader pattern of retail theft, with an estimated $56,000 in merchandise allegedly stolen from Target stores in multiple states.
The suspect was identified as Long Tran, 54, of Dorchester. He was taken into custody without incident.
Tran is expected to be arraigned in South Boston District Court on charges of shoplifting by asportation over $250 and trespassing.
