2 Women Arrested in Queens Child Pickpocket Thefts

Police say they've arrested two women in a string of thefts in which they apparently used a young girl to steal wallets and purses from shoppers in Queens stores last week.

Tisha Strong, 41, of Brooklyn, and Shannie Eastman, 39, of Queens, were each arrested on charges of grand larceny, petit larceny and failing to exercise control of a minor, police say. 

In one case, authorities said the child walked behind the counter at a clothing boutique on Bell Boulevard in Bayside and took a wallet from someone's bag, then gave it to one of the women she was with. The group then left. 

Police say the same child stole two purses from customers at a thrift shop on Corporal Kennedy Street while clerks were helping other patrons. 

Police said Monday the women are also suspected in a similar theft on April 10 in which they walked into a travel agency on Bell Boulevard with the girl, asked to use a bathroom, then took $900 from a cash box. 

It's not clear if the women have attorneys. 

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