Watch CBS News

NYPD Puts Collar On Alleged Mother-Child Shoplifting Team

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- She won't be winning mother of the year.

Prosecutors say a mom was allegedly teaching her young son the art of the five-finger discount. And as CBS 2's John Slattery reports, police said they have surveillance video of the two caught in the act.

Carolyn Taylor, 35, of the Bronx stands accused of teaching her 11-year-old son, Enrique Tate, the finer points of shoplifting.

"I think it's disgraceful. She's basically raising him to be a criminal," one New Yorker told Slattery.

MORE ODD NEWS: Phys Ed Fiasco: Principal Forgets To Schedule Gym, Chaos Ensues | Live Chicken Prank Lands 3 N.J. Students In The CoopWhite Students' Racist Rap Video Stuns Brooklyn Community | Woman Beaten Into Coma In Apparent Case Of 'Parking Space Rage' | Controversial Anti-Abortion Billboard In SoHo Removed

Their alleged run of theft started on the Upper West Side at a Baby Gap, where police said the pair was caught on camera lifting a woman's wallet from her baby stroller.

Next, the pair was allegedly caught on camera inside a pharmacy on West 72nd. The boy is seen allegedly grabbing one item. The mother appears to stash an expensive box of shampoo into her bag. Then the mother appears to lift another high-priced hair product and seems to direct the boy to grab another item, which is then passed off to the mother.

"She would take items, for example, shampoo items that would cost $60 apiece and 200 to 300 at a time," pharmacy manager Donnell Davis said.

Yet, police said, before they leave they'd use a credit card, allegedly stolen earlier in the day, to lend a look of legitimacy. The manager said he saw the duo in the store several times. The last time, they were arrested.

It's all reminiscent of the Fagan character in "Oliver" who educates children in a life of crime.

"That's disgusting. It shouldn't happen. You shouldn't take your child around doing that. It's not right," a New Yorker said.

Conventional wisdom is that a child's first and best teachers are his parents. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule.

Taylor, who faces several charges including larceny and endangering the welfare of a child, is out on bail. Her son was also charged and taken to juvenile court.

Disgusted by this? Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.