Authorities in California have apprehended 117 individuals involved in an organized holiday shoplifting ring.
The California Highway Patrol conducted a daylong operation and recovered 767 stolen items valued at over $38,000, leading to the arrests of the suspects.
California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee stated, “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 added, “Our efforts send a clear message that retail theft in California will not be tolerated.”
During the operation, officers also seized two illegal firearms and three stolen vehicles.
The crackdown was carried out by California’s retail theft task force, which comprises 10 law enforcement agencies and 56 retailers.
Established in 2019, the task force is dedicated to combating the growing prevalence of organized retail theft rings.
Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to reinforce California’s laws targeting organized theft rings, including enhanced penalties.
Newsom commented, “These new laws present a better way forward — making our communities safer and providing meaningful tools to help law enforcement arrest criminals and hold them accountable,” when he signed the legislation in August.
New York also implemented similar legislation to enhance retail theft penalties and allocate resources to combat organized retail theft rings.
