Police hope suspects in an identity theft ring that operated in Rockland and throughout the tristate area will lead them to other criminals.

Police arrested 31-year-old Nketchi Glasscow, 18-year-old Renesca Brady and 29-year-old Dennis Messias Friday outside the Palisades Mall after a security guard called 911. Authorities recovered more than $12,000 worth of merchandise and $1,500 in cash and receipts from Spring Valley and West Nyack stores.

Authorities say the suspects used stolen identities to open credit accounts at retailers such as Macy's and Target. The trio purchased items and then sold them, according to police. Investigators say the group, which is believed to be part of a larger ring of 10 other thieves, has victimized more than 30 people and is responsible for at least $100,000 worth of store fraud in Suffolk County, Long Island alone.

The three suspects, who were arraigned Sunday, are being held in the Rockland County Jail.