Authorities in North Carolina say two suspects conspired to rob a department store this week, alleging two young relatives of one thief were forced to stand guard and alert them if staff seemed suspicious of their activities.

According to the New York Post, 29-year-old Jacksonville resident Ashley Nicole Reed is accused of staging a 10-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy outside of a Raleigh Target location to serve as lookouts during the theft.

Though initial reports did not confirm whether the children were related to Reed, they were believed to be younger relatives of the second suspect. Police indicate the children are siblings.

Reed and the unidentified accomplice allegedly stole dozens of Nintendo Switch games from the retailer. Police arrested Reed, who was booked into Wake County jail with bail set at $10,000.

As the Raleigh News & Observer reported, officers arrested her at the store.

Police believe the video games were stolen in two separate heists, with one child each assigned to serve as lookout.

She allegedly stole 15 games as the girl stood guard and another 19 with the boy nearby at the time of her arrest.

As part of her bail requirements, she is also prohibited from visiting any Target store or communicating with her alleged accomplice while on release awaiting trial.

She is expected to face felony charges including two counts of larceny, one count each of organized retail theft and conspiracy to commit larceny. Reports indicate she will also be charged with misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile for the involvement of the young boy and girl.

[Featured image: Ashley Nicole Reed/City-County Bureau of Identification]