Glendale witnessed the arrest of a man and a woman who were apprehended for their involvement in a sophisticated retail theft ring. The ring had managed to steal nearly $200,000 worth of products, prompting the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to take action. The arrests were made possible through the joint efforts of the CHP Southern Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force and the Los Angeles Police Department’s newly established Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Task Force.
The investigators specifically targeted a retail crime “fence” location in downtown Los Angeles, which was caught selling stolen retail merchandise. The exact location was not disclosed. A “fence” refers to individuals or groups who purchase stolen goods from smash-and-grab robberies and organized retail thefts. These stolen goods are then sold through seemingly legitimate businesses, online platforms, or swap meets. It is often unclear whether the buyers of these merchandise are aware that they are participating in an organized retail crime operation.
The CHP revealed that the targeted location had set up a makeshift storefront-style display to sell the stolen retail merchandise. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the merchandise had been stolen from Victoria Secret and CVS retailers in the greater Los Angeles region. A significant haul of 13,906 stolen items was recovered, amounting to an estimated retail loss of $198,000 for the victims. The recovered merchandise included a vast quantity of cosmetics, bras and underwear, razors, deodorant, and other toiletries.
The CHP did not immediately release the names of the arrested individuals, a 47-year-old man from Los Angeles and a 43-year-old woman from Panorama City. However, they emphasized that anyone with information related to stolen property crimes should contact the task force investigators at 323-644-9550.
Overall, the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies have proven successful in uncovering and dismantling an organized retail theft ring. These arrests will serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar criminal activities, ultimately safeguarding the retail industry and protecting businesses and consumers alike.
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