RLP NEWS
LIVERMORE, CA — Three individuals were arrested Tuesday night in Livermore after allegedly stealing nearly $9,000 worth of grocery items, police said.
The incident began around 8:45 p.m. when a woman walking her dog alerted an officer about three people seen stealing from the Lucky store on Portola Avenue before fleeing into a nearby neighborhood.
Vehicle Leads to Arrest
While investigating, officers noticed a white Honda CRV leaving the area. The vehicle had heavily tinted windows, a violation of California law. A records check revealed the car was registered to a San Francisco resident. Officers initiated a traffic stop and, during the stop, observed tote bags and a large number of unopened toothpaste boxes on the floorboard.
Confession and Recovery
According to police, the three suspects admitted to stealing items, including laundry detergent, toothpaste, makeup, shampoo, deodorant, razors, beef jerky, and coffee, from the Lucky store. They reportedly planned to sell the stolen goods. The suspects also confessed to stealing from the Safeway on First Street earlier that evening.
Lucky employees scanned and itemized the stolen goods, which included 707 items worth more than $8,500. At Safeway, the suspects allegedly took 34 items valued at over $480. The stolen merchandise was returned to both stores.
Arrests and Charges
The suspects, identified as Anita Lopez, 20, Trevon Williams, 20, and Marahco Marshall, 22, all from San Francisco, were arrested on suspicion of:
- Organized retail theft
- Receiving stolen property
- Conspiracy to commit a crime
This incident is part of a growing trend of organized retail crime, with authorities and retailers stepping up efforts to combat such thefts and protect local businesses.