LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles police arrested five individuals this week during a series of operations targeting organized retail theft in the Canoga Park area, including the Westfield Topanga Mall, authorities confirmed.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division conducted three separate blitz operations on Dec. 17, focusing on known hotspots for retail theft. These proactive efforts aim to combat theft by saturating impacted areas with personnel and resources, LAPD stated in a press release.
The coordinated operations were conducted at a store inside the Westfield Topanga Mall on Topanga Canyon Drive, a retailer on Victory Boulevard, and a store located in the Fallbrook Mall on Fallbrook Avenue.
Police arrested five suspects during these operations:
- Javid Gholami, 64
- Artemus Shydian, 55
- Diana Aragon, 54
- Jacob Beccera, 20
- Tanner Talei, 18
According to the LAPD, some of the suspects were cited and released, while others with outstanding warrants were taken into custody. Authorities did not disclose which suspects were detained or the specific circumstances of their arrests.
While the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat organized theft, police have not provided details about the stolen merchandise or its estimated value. It is unclear if the suspects are connected to a larger retail theft ring operating in the area.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding retail theft incidents to come forward.
“We encourage members of the community to report suspicious activity and assist in our efforts to curb organized retail theft,” the LAPD statement read.
Individuals with information are asked to contact LAPD Topanga Burglary Theft Detectives at 818-756-4800. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or submit tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
The arrests come amid heightened concerns over organized retail theft in Los Angeles and across California. Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and coordinated efforts to target theft rings, particularly during the holiday season when such incidents are more frequent.
Police emphasized the importance of partnerships between retailers, law enforcement, and the community to effectively address the growing problem of organized retail theft.
