Authorities are searching for a woman accused of using a shopping cart as a weapon during a shoplifting attempt at a Target store in Montgomery County, an incident that highlights a broader trend in organized retail crime known as pushout theft.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on May 19 at the Target store located in New Caney. Surveillance footage shows the suspect filling a shopping cart with merchandise, concealing additional items, and attempting to leave the store without paying. When confronted by store employees, the woman allegedly rammed the cart into staff members before fleeing the scene in a Toyota sedan.
The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to contact their office at 281-297-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP (7867), referencing case #25A148494.
The case has drawn attention not only for its brazenness but also for its connection to a growing pattern of high-volume retail thefts involving the physical removal of merchandise via shopping carts—known in the industry as pushout thefts.
Retail experts say pushout theft is becoming increasingly common and costly. Unlike concealed thefts, these incidents often involve offenders wheeling out carts of high-value merchandise in full view of staff and other shoppers. The method is frequently associated with organized retail crime groups and has been linked to escalating safety concerns within stores.
“Pushout theft is a major contributor to retail shrink and often goes underreported or misclassified,” said a spokesperson for a national retail security association. “In many cases, these incidents pose significant safety risks to store personnel who may attempt to intervene.”
Law enforcement and retail analysts warn that such thefts can lead to violent confrontations, as demonstrated in the New Caney case. These events can also have a lasting impact on employee morale and retention, particularly when staff members are injured or placed in harm’s way.
Industry professionals note that beyond the loss of merchandise, incidents of pushout theft frequently result in damaged goods, disrupted operations, and a diminished customer experience. Some retailers have responded by installing cart containment systems, enhancing in-store surveillance, and training employees in conflict de-escalation.
However, experts caution that many retailers still underestimate the scope of the problem.
“Pushout theft isn’t always fully captured in traditional shrink reporting systems,” said one loss prevention executive. “It’s critical that retailers have a comprehensive understanding of these risks in order to protect both their assets and their people.”
The Montgomery County incident comes amid broader concerns in the retail sector about rising levels of theft and aggressive behavior toward store employees. It also underscores the increasing sophistication and boldness of criminal tactics being used against retailers of all sizes.
