Andre Williams, STAR Writer

Three Jamaicans, believed to be students attached to a popular university, were charged by the Wisconsin police in the US for shoplifting.

The men, staying at Wisconsin Dells Motel, were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly stealing merchandise from a West Towne Mall store.

Www.host.madison.com says Nicoye Wiltshire, 23; Anthony Allen, 21; and Christopher Manbauman, 23, were tentatively charged with party to retail theft.

The website said Wiltshire was also charged with resisting arrest when he allegedly tried to run from the police.

Reports say all three men were arrested about 3 p.m. at JC Penny in the mall.

A police spokesperson was quoted as saying, "They allegedly tried to steal about $560 worth of clothes."

The police also reported that the men were carrying wire cutters and empty bags from other retailers, including Aeropostale, H&M, Victoria's Secret and the Gap.

The police theorise that such a practice is common method used by suspects to steal clothes, taking empty bags with logos and filling them in another store.