Woman arrested after allegedly stealing $3,000 in Halloween merchandise from Lompoc store

Lompoc police arrested a 42-year-old for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of Halloween merchandise and driving a stolen car to the meet location during a sting operation.

Police say Valerie Carpio, 42, entered the Spirit of Halloween store located at 1600 N H Street in Lompoc, and stole costumes and accessories between October 12 and October 24.

Carpio allegedly posted the stolen items on social media. A regional prevention investigator for the store working with the Lompoc Police Department set up a reverse sting operation. Carpio arrived at the meet location in a stolen car out of Arizona and was arrested, Lompoc police said.

Authorities found approximately $3,000 worth of store merchandise in the car and discovered Carpio had $75,000 dollars worth of warrants for her arrest.

Carpio was booked for burglary, car theft, and outstanding warrants. Her bail was set at $95,000.