LOS ANGELES, CA – California authorities arrested 117 suspects during a statewide crackdown on retail theft, recovering thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise and multiple firearms, officials said.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) led the daylong operation on December 20, in response to rising thefts during the holiday season. Law enforcement agencies from across the state collaborated in the effort, which targeted organized retail crime and related offenses.
According to officials, officers recovered 767 stolen items valued at more than $38,000. Items included clothing, shoes, fragrances, and other consumer goods. Authorities also recovered three stolen vehicles and two illegal firearms during the operation.
The arrested suspects face a range of charges, including petty theft, grand theft, organized retail crime, auto theft, and felon in possession of a firearm, CHP said in a statement.
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee emphasized the importance of proactive enforcement to protect businesses and consumers.
“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,” Duryee said.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the operation, highlighting the state’s commitment to tackling retail theft and maintaining public safety during the holidays.
“The state stands committed to protecting consumers, especially as they go about the final shopping sprint before the holiday season,” Newsom said. “I’m proud of the efforts of CHP and local law enforcement to protect consumers and businesses throughout California.”
The operation involved 10 law enforcement agencies and 56 retail partners. Agencies participating in the effort included:
- Los Angeles Police Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- Glendale Police Department
- Hemet Police Department
- Bakersfield Police Department
- Walnut Creek Police Department
- Woodland Police Department
- Livermore Police Department
- San Ramon Police Department
The operation was coordinated by the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force, which was established in 2019 to combat large-scale theft operations. Since its inception, the task force has been involved in more than 3,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of over 3,500 suspects and the recovery of $51.3 million worth of stolen goods.
Authorities have not released the names of the suspects arrested during the recent operation.
The public is encouraged to report information related to organized retail theft by contacting the California Highway Patrol at 1-800-835-5247.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities expect to continue enforcement efforts throughout the holiday season.
