WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Phailin Rasynouvong and her sister Anna enjoyed spring break Wednesday by doing one of their favorite things – shopping.

"It's just a good way to like, hang out with my sister and things like that. It can be relaxing sometimes, shopping," said Phailin and Anna.

One of their last stops was at Ulta Beauty on east Kellogg, and they couldn't believe what had recently happened at the store.

"Who would need that much cologne? That's crazy! No, I don't hear about that," said Phailin and Anna.

Police arrested 20-year-old Gia Leininger and 29-year-old Jacob Villarreal on charges of felony theft after finding around $6,000 worth of stolen cologne from Ulta Beauty.

Investigators say they also found several stolen items from other high-end stores, including clothing that still had anti-theft alarms attached.

"The store is local, and it's a small business, and they also got hit," said Phailin.

She's talking about the local bakery she works at called Frost.

Last month, she says this person broke in through the front door.

"Everything was shattered. We had to get a new door... We have an alarm, so obviously, that went off. But then they quickly went behind to the cash register, and they rip the whole thing out and take off with it," said Phailin.

Phailin says things like this can be devastating to any retailer, big or small.

"There's a lot of businesses around Wichita, especially smaller ones, local ones, that if they get hit, they gotta close down," said Phailin.

She says it will take the whole community to stop these thefts.

"I know the bystander effect is real, it's real. So if you really do see something, please, like, try to speak up or report it or any information you have," said Phailin.

"I hope nobody steals anymore. Stealing is not cool. It's not. I don't think anyone should do it," said Anna.

If you recognize the man in those photos or know anything about the theft here at Frost, please call the police. Or, you can leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

 

 

 
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Wichita police have arrested two people accused of stealing $6,000 worth of cologne from a store on the city's east side and other high-dollar items. 
 
Gia Leininger, 20, and Jacob Villarreal, 29, were booked for felony theft. Jail records show Villarreal is also being held on hold for another agency and a fugitive from justice warrant. 
 
WPD said in a release that Patrol East officers and larceny detectives were working a special assignment Tuesday evening regarding recent high-dollar thefts near Kellogg and Rock Road. At around 8 p.m., officers were contacted by Ulta Beauty asset protection about the theft of $6,000 worth of cologne that had just occurred. 
 
"Officers were able to determine that a black 2021 Dodge Charger was involved and informed other Officers of the current location of the vehicle," the release said. "Officers with Patrol West attempted to stop the vehicle as it was stopping at a residence in the 500 block of South Eisenhower. Leininger and Villarreal were seen running from the vehicle and into a residence."
 
Police executed a search warrant and located the cologne as well as several items from other high-end thefts, including clothing that still had anti-theft devices attached. 
 
"This was great work and communication done by all Officers and civilians involved. We’d like to thank Ulta Beauty for working with us on stopping these types of felony thefts from continuing to happen in our city."