Police: Grandma Had Grandkids Help Her Shoplift

A Rock Hill grandma used her grandchildren to help her shoplift at a Kmart store on Friday night, police said.

Officers said 43-year-old Lisa Doyle spent several hours in the Cherry Road store with her 8-year-old granddaughter and 1-year-old grandson before attempting to buy $1,200 worth of merchandise. Doyle tried a few different methods of payment, but they were all declined, police said.

Doyle continued shopping, dressed her grandchildren in merchandise from the store and then attempted to leave, police allege.

She was arrested at Kmart and charged with shoplifting. The children were released to a family friend.

Susan Dean runs a charity program called Pilgrims’ Inn, which often helps people who turned to crime instead of asking for help.

“People do things sometimes that they never thought they would do when they're desperate” Dean said.

She said many people don't know help is out there, like pantries loaded up with food, available to anyone in need. Many charities also offer donated clothing and shoes.

Dean said this economy has thrust people into poverty who have never experienced it before.

"There's a whole new layer of folks who never thought they'd be in this position, and so they're ashamed, they're embarrassed,” she said. “They don't know who to ask.”

Police said shoplifting, though a minor crime, often comes at a cost that is often far beyond the worth of whatever is stolen.

Doyle is out of jail on bond.