Four women carried out an audacious theft Monday afternoon in Turlock, making away with thousands of dollars’ worth of perfume and cosmetics.

The takeover-style theft happened at 1:27 p.m. Monday at the Ulta Beauty store at 2841 Countryside Dr.

The four women entered the store and immediately spread out to various areas, where they began tossing in perfumes, skin care products and cosmetics into large tote bags they had brought with them. The women made no effort to conceal their thefts and were in and out of the store in less than a minute.

An employee at the beauty store called the Turlock Police Department and reported the theft was in progress. The thieves fled the store while the employee was talking to dispatch and the first officers arrived at the scene about five minutes later, said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Russ Holeman.

A customer at the store began filming the theft and later shared it on social media sites, where it was widely circulated.

All four women were described as black adults. They left in a silver four-door Toyota Camry, which had the license plates removed, Holeman said.

“Turlock Police Department has been made aware of these types of ‘takeover thefts’ having occurred throughout the Valley over the last several months and will be working with other agencies in an attempt to identify the suspects,” Holeman said.

The police department is actively investigating this incident and ask that anyone with information call the Turlock Police Department at 668-1200. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.