117 arrested in retail theft crackdown across California
Authorities arrested 117 suspects during a massive crackdown on retail theft across California. The daylong operation, led by the California Highway Patrol, took place on Dec. 20 amid a rise in thefts during the holiday time, officials said. Law enforcement agencies from across the state participated in the large event which resulted in 117 arrests [...]
Authorities arrested 117 suspects during a massive crackdown on retail theft across California.
The daylong operation, led by the California Highway Patrol, took place on Dec. 20 amid a rise in thefts during the holiday time, officials said.
Law enforcement agencies from across the state participated in the large event which resulted in 117 arrests for organized retail theft and related crimes.
Officers recovered 767 stolen items which were worth over $38,000. Photos of the arrests show a collection of stolen clothes, shoes, fragrances and more. Three stolen vehicles were also found, along with two illegal firearms.
Charges the suspects faced included petty theft, grand theft, organized retail crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and auto theft.
A collection of stolen merchandise was found during a statewide retail theft crackdown including clothing, shoes, fragrances and more. (California Highway Patrol) 
Three stolen vehicles wee found during a statewide retail theft crackdown. (California Highway Patrol) 
A collection of stolen merchandise was found during a statewide retail theft crackdown including clothing, shoes, fragrances and more. (California Highway Patrol) 
A collection of stolen merchandise was found during a statewide retail theft crackdown including clothing, shoes, fragrances and more. (California Highway Patrol)
“Through proactive enforcement operations and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, we were able to protect the state’s businesses and consumers during one of the busiest times of the year,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.
“The state stands committed to protecting consumers, especially as they go about the final shopping sprint before the holiday season,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “I’m proud of the efforts of CHP and local law enforcement to protect consumers and businesses throughout California.”
The crackdown was a collaborative effort between 10 law enforcement agencies and 56 retail partners. Agencies involved included:
- Hemet Police Department
- Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
- Los Angeles Police Department
- Glendale Police Department
- Bakersfield Police Department
- Woodland Police Department
- Walnut Creek Police Department
- Livermore Police Department
- San Ramon Police Department
The CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force was created in 2019 and has been involved in over 3,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 3,500 suspects and the recovery of $51.3 million worth of stolen goods.
Anyone with information on organized retail theft is encouraged to call the California Highway Patrol at 1-800-835-5247.
What's Your Reaction?
