Five people have been arrested for allegedly taking part in a retail theft scheme that resulted in a loss of almost $400,000 in merchandise from a Dollar General in Grand Bay.

According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, investigators began looking into the store after receiving a complaint on Oct. 10.

Two store employees, Brittany Forrest and Calie Kent, allegedly coordinated with Ophia Gordon, Carl Kent and Ilia Forrest to carry out the thefts. All of the individuals involved are either family or friends.

Officials said the shoplifting was performed by loading grocery carts with items and then allegedly having Brittany or Calie close the purchase after only scanning one or two items during checkout.

All five of the suspects were arrested Thursday and charged with organized retail theft.