NEWMARKET, ONT - York regional police say three arrests last month have led to five more people being charged in an alleged shoplifting ring.

Police say they began investigating similar incidents of shoplifting that were occurring across the Greater Toronto Area in February.

The arrest of three women on May 12 led investigators to raid three separate residences in Toronto and Hamilton.

Five more people were arrested and charged and investigators say they recovered about $115,000 in stolen clothing.

Those charged are from Toronto and Hamilton and range in age from 30 to 57. Charges include theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime and trafficking property obtained by crime.

Investigators believe additional clothing and shoe stores may have been targets.