Southern California law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to combat a surge in shoplifting during the holiday season, with multiple operations leading to dozens of arrests and the recovery of thousands of dollars in stolen goods.
At a Glance
- Law enforcement agencies across Southern California are cracking down on holiday shoplifting
- Recent operations in Upland, Citrus Heights, and Ventura County resulted in multiple arrests
- Over $1,000 in merchandise was recovered in Upland, and nearly $2,000 in Ventura County
- California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has made 474 arrests and recovered $4.2 million in goods since January
- Governor Newsom emphasizes coordinated efforts to combat organized retail crime
Upland Police Bust Organized Retail Theft Ring
On December 14, Upland police in San Bernardino County arrested six men for organized retail theft. The suspects were caught on surveillance stealing clothing and shoes. Law enforcement 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, highlighting the recurring nature of such crimes.
Citrus Heights Thwarts Major Retail Heist
In a separate incident on December 13, Citrus Heights police prevented a significant retail theft. Officers arrested Dominique Starks and Starr Jones, both linked to multiple felony thefts. The suspects face charges including organized retail theft, conspiracy, identity theft, possession of stolen property, and burglary.
“Follow-up investigations are underway with additional stores believed to have been repeatedly victimized by these offenders.” – Source
The Citrus Heights Police Department’s statement underscores the potential widespread impact of these criminals on local businesses. This case exemplifies the ongoing challenge faced by law enforcement in curbing organized retail crime.
Ventura County’s “Shoplift With a Cop” Operation
Ventura County conducted a large-scale 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.” – Source
The operation recovered 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
California’s law enforcement agencies have released data on their organized retail crime crackdown for 2024. Since January, the California Highway Patrol’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has conducted 185 investigations, leading to 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 coordinated law enforcement efforts in combating organized retail crime. Since 2019, the task force has conducted nearly 2,500 investigations, resulting in 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” – Source
As the holiday shopping season continues, law enforcement agencies across Southern California remain vigilant in their efforts to protect businesses and consumers from the impact of organized retail crime. The recent operations and arrests serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against shoplifting and the importance of collaborative efforts between police and retailers to address this pervasive issue.
Sources:
- Southern California Authorities Crack Down on Holiday Retail Theft
- Newsom touts California’s efforts to crack down on retail theft
