RLP NEWS
Ventura County, CA — Authorities have arrested 19 adults and three teenagers in connection with a retail theft operation at multiple Target stores across Southern California, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrests took place during the weekend of August 23 and 24, following a focused “blitz” operation by the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force. During the operation, authorities recovered approximately $1,400 in stolen merchandise, as well as methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
The “blitz” strategy involved concentrating law enforcement resources on specific retail locations to combat organized theft. The operation was a coordinated effort between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Target, the Simi Valley Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and several other California law enforcement agencies. Those arrested during the operation range in age from 14 to 61.
Many of the individuals arrested are scheduled for court appearances on Friday, Monday, or October 25, according to the sheriff’s office.
Task Force Created to Combat Retail Theft
The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force was established after the sheriff’s office received grant funding from the California Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. The program allows law enforcement agencies across Ventura County to collaborate in addressing an estimated $10 million annual loss due to organized retail theft, vehicle theft, and cargo theft.
The task force is actively seeking to partner with businesses that have experienced significant losses due to retail theft. Businesses are encouraged to contact the task force at (805) 383-8703.
Additionally, anyone with information regarding organized retail theft, vehicle or vehicle parts theft, or cargo theft is urged to contact the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (800) 222-8477.