In another instance the incident probably would have gotten a couple of lines in the Police Blotter of the newspaper. If that. Retail theft cases don’t usually gather all that much attention.

But the case against Monica Vitale wasn’t just a routine case of shoplifting.

Vitale made several crucial errors, according to the case laid out against her by police.

Vitale, a 42-year-old grandmother, allegedly had an accomplice.
That would be her 4-year-old granddaughter.

Vitale was caught on videotape in the Sears store on 69th Street. She is seen calmly walking through the store, helping herself to items through the old "five-fingered discount."

That’s one thing. But that’s not all the videotape captured. The 4-year-old clearly can be seen taking a couple of items from Vitale and placing them in their baby stroller she was pushing, and then covering them up with other items.

In other words, according to police, Vitale had enlisted the 4-year-old as her partner in crime.

Vitale was seen on the store video surveillance system not once, but twice. She first hit the joint Sunday night. When store security noticed her, she fled with the little girl.

But she came back on Monday and the store and police were ready.

The mistake --- among many – Vitale made was her choice of location.
Police say she decided to run her scam just a few blocks from her home.
She was caught in the act in the 69th Street Sears store. That’s Upper Darby Township. Mike Chitwood’s turf.

Big mistake.

Chitwood called a press conference Tuesday morning and offered his own take on Vitale’s enterprise. Let’s just say he wasn’t terribly complimentary.

Vitale’s act showed up on just about every television station in town. She is on the front page of this newspaper this morning.

No doubt some will complain that the newspaper is once again in cahoots with "Media Mike."

You bet we are.

Say what you want about Chitwood. Does he use the media? Sure he does.

But he’s also delivering a message, one that other towns might want to emulate.

He makes it clear that he’s personally insulted when such shenanigans go on under his nose.

And those who would commit such acts should know something else: Get busted by Chitwood, and you’re going to pay a price. If the system doesn’t do it to you, Chitwood will make sure the word gets out.

Not everyone is a fan of Chitwood and the way he handles his department.

Me? I kind of wish every department in Delco was run that way.
I am guessing Monica Vitale is not a big fan. I am also fairly sure she might think twice about doing something like this again.