FRAMINGHAM – As dozens of police officers played Santa’s elves to more than 180 needy children at Target on Tuesday, one woman tried to use the hubbub as cover to steal.

Framingham Police arrested Melissa Allen, 32, as she tried to leave the Rte. 30 store with a carriage containing $1,100 worth of merchandise, including clothes and electronics, around 8 p.m.

And it wasn't as if police were disguised in elf costumes. Around 65 Framingham, Ashland, Holliston and Natick officers were in their blues for the annual Shop with a Cop event. Two police motorcycles were in the store's foyer.

Allen actually spoke to several police officers, asking them why so many were on hand, said Framingham police spokeswoman Lt. Patricia Grigas.

"You couldn't have walked into Target and not know there was something going on," said Grigas. "There were cops in uniform everywhere."

“It was a great night, we spent $9,000 helping these families, and she tries to walk out of the store without paying for $1,100 worth of items while there are 70 officers there,” Grigas said.

When store security stopped Allen, she “put up a stink,” and then struggled with police, kicking a police cruiser door several times, the lieutenant said. Prior to the alleged theft, a store security guard, noting the presence of dozens of cops, had joked with officers and said, “I hope no one steals anything tonight,” Grigas said.

Allen is charged with larceny of property worth more than $250, resisting arrest and providing police a false name during booking. She is scheduled to be arraigned in Framingham District Court on Wednesday.

The police associations from local departments, as well as Target, donate the money for the gifts. Chick-fil-A donates food for dinner for the participants.

Allen’s less than festive actions did not take away from a good night for the families, Grigas said.

“It’s a great event,” said Grigas. “All of the officers donate their time, they come in, grab a couple of kids and take them shopping. It’s awesome.”

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date crime news, follow Norman Miller on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.