Arrests Made in $200,000 Organized Retail Theft Operation in Downtown Los Angeles
Two arrested in a $200,000 organized retail theft operation with nearly 14,000 stolen items in Los Angeles. Stay informed on retail crime news.
Two arrested in a $200,000 organized retail theft operation with nearly 14,000 stolen items in Los Angeles. (PHOTO: WFSB)
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The Elaborate Organized Retail Theft Scheme
In downtown Los Angeles, two individuals were arrested for running an organized retail theft operation. They were caught selling stolen goods from a fake storefront, valued at around $200,000 taken from CVS and Victoria’s Secret stores. These criminals are known as “fences” because they buy stolen items and resell them as seemingly legal. They sold stolen goods through various channels, including physical stores, swap meets, and online.
The operation was based in downtown LA and accumulated nearly 14,000 stolen items worth approximately $200,000. Some store insiders were involved in the thefts. Stolen items included makeup, cosmetics, and more, with traces found in Santee Alley, a popular shopping area in downtown LA.
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Police Caution Shoppers Regarding Organized Retail Theft, and Joint Investigation Follows
The police are warning people to be careful when buying things that seem too good to be true, especially name-brand items like those from Victoria’s Secret. Legitimate stores like Victoria’s Secret have their own shops, so if you see their stuff being sold on the street, it’s likely fake or stolen. They arrested a 47-year-old man from Los Angeles and a 43-year-old woman from Panorama City in connection with this organized retail theft operation. The police investigation was a joint effort by the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force and the newly established Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Task Force within the LAPD. This comes after a series of high-profile thefts by large groups of criminals in the LA area.
