California law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to combat organized retail theft during the holiday shopping season, with recent operations resulting in multiple arrests and recovery of stolen goods.
At a Glance
- Southern California authorities are cracking down on organized retail theft during the holiday season
- Recent operations in Upland, Citrus Heights, and Ventura County led to numerous arrests and recovery of stolen merchandise
- California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has made 474 arrests and recovered over $4 million in stolen goods since January
- Governor Newsom emphasizes the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts to combat retail crime
Intensified Crackdown on Holiday Retail Theft
As the holiday shopping season reaches its peak, law enforcement agencies across Southern California are ramping up their efforts to combat organized retail theft. Recent operations in various counties have resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen merchandise, highlighting the growing concern over retail crime during this busy period.
In Upland, San Bernardino County, a successful operation on December 14 led to the arrest of six men involved in organized retail theft. The suspects were caught on surveillance stealing clothing and shoes. Upland police recovered over $1,000 in merchandise and a fake firearm from the suspects’ vehicle, which was subsequently towed. Some of the arrested individuals had existing warrants, further emphasizing the importance of these targeted operations.
Citrus Heights Operation Uncovers Multiple Felonies
On December 13, Citrus Heights police thwarted a retail heist, arresting Dominique Starks and Starr Jones. The suspects were linked to multiple felony thefts and faced charges including organized retail theft, conspiracy, identity theft, possession of stolen property, and burglary. The operation revealed the complex nature of these crimes, often involving multiple offenses beyond simple shoplifting.
“Follow-up investigations are underway with additional stores believed to have been repeatedly victimized by these offenders.” – Citrus Heights Police Department
This statement underscores the ongoing nature of these investigations and the potential for uncovering broader criminal networks involved in retail theft.
Large-Scale Operation in Ventura County
Ventura County conducted a significant operation dubbed “Shoplift With a Cop” on December 6 and 7. This initiative resulted in the arrest of 21 adults and 16 juveniles for shoplifting. The operation involved collaboration with security teams from major retailers including Target, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Allied Security at Pacific View Mall.
“This effort highlights the significant shoplifting challenges affecting not only the mall but also businesses across the county.” – Sheriff’s Office
The operation led to the recovery of nearly $2,000 in stolen property and various narcotics. The ages of those arrested ranged from 18 to 53, indicating that retail theft is not limited to any particular age group.
Statewide Efforts and Results
The crackdown on organized retail crime extends beyond Southern California. Since January, the California Highway Patrol’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has conducted 185 investigations, resulting in 474 arrests and the recovery of 160,041 stolen items. The value of recovered goods is nearly $4.2 million, representing almost half of all goods recovered by the task force in 2023.
California is continuing to combat organized retail theft.
A recent @CHP_HQ investigation recovered over $500,000 in stolen retail items in Southern California.
Organized retail theft is a crime, and it is unacceptable. We're cracking down this holiday season. pic.twitter.com/5oMuM9hNvr
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) December 13, 2023
Governor Gavin Newsom has emphasized the importance of these coordinated law enforcement efforts. Since 2019, the task force has conducted nearly 2,500 investigations, leading to over 2,500 arrests and the recovery of more than 770,000 stolen items valued at approximately $42.3 million.
“California will continue to lead more takedowns and make more arrests to keep our communities safe” – Newsom
As the holiday season continues, law enforcement agencies across California remain vigilant in their efforts to combat organized retail theft, protecting businesses and ensuring safer shopping experiences for consumers.
Sources:
- Southern California Authorities Crack Down on Holiday Retail Theft
- Newsom touts California’s efforts to crack down on retail theft
