LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities in Los Angeles County recovered approximately $4 million in stolen merchandise and arrested seven individuals in connection with a large-scale retail theft investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced this week.
The arrests followed a series of coordinated operations carried out in February by the department’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force (ORCTF), which was formed in response to a rise in organized retail theft across the region. The suspects are believed to be part of a network that targeted major retailers for high-value goods, including over-the-counter medications, cosmetics, and other consumer items.
Working in partnership with loss prevention investigators from multiple national retailers, the task force executed search warrants at several locations in Los Angeles and South Gate. Investigators recovered merchandise with an estimated retail value of $4 million, along with a significant but undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.
According to investigators, the suspects belonged to coordinated “booster crews” who stole merchandise from stores, as well as fencing operations responsible for the resale and distribution of the stolen goods. Seventeen retailers were affected, including Target, CVS, Walgreens, Nordstrom, Bath & Body Works, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, and ULTA Beauty.
The identities of the arrested individuals have not been released. Authorities have not said whether they anticipate further arrests, and the scope of the operation suggests the investigation remains ongoing.
The suspects were booked on charges including organized retail theft, grand theft, and receiving stolen property.
The ORCTF was launched in September 2023 and operates under the Major Crimes Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. It works in coordination with other task forces, including the Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team (CCATS) and the Burglary and Robbery Task Force (BRTF), as well as with local and federal law enforcement partners.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Department emphasized the importance of public cooperation in combating organized retail crime and protecting local businesses. The department encouraged individuals with knowledge of such activity to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force at [email protected] or by calling 562-946-7270.
