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Off Target

As a Framingham, Mass., Target store held a charity event just before Christmas, Melissa Allen, 32, allegedly used the event as a cover to walk out of the store without paying for her merchandise. Store security stopped her and police were quick to render assistance when she “put up a stink.” And there was plenty of help available: the event was “Shop with a Cop” — and there were dozens of uniformed officers in the store. “You couldn’t have walked into Target and not know there was something going on,” police spokeswoman Lt. Patricia Grigas said. “There were cops in uniform everywhere.” Allen had walked past two police motorcycles in the lobby, and even asked several officers why they were there. “And she tries to walk out of the store without paying for $1,100 worth of items while there are 70 officers there.” Allen was charged with larceny, resisting arrest, and providing police a false name during booking. (MS/Framingham MetroWest Daily News) ...Among the names she gave: Kris Kopper, Santa Cuffs, and Caged Elf.