Two arrested in connection with organized retail thefts in Encinitas

Encinitas, CA – Two men have been arrested in connection with an organized retail theft spree in Encinitas involving nearly $6,700 in stolen goods, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

On August 29, deputies from the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station responded to a reported theft at the REI store on Leucadia Boulevard, where a suspect, identified as 60-year-old Daniel Dipinto, allegedly fled the scene in a black Audi after stealing a Yeti cooler valued at $300. Investigators from the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) Unit linked Dipinto to several other thefts at multiple stores, including REI, Target, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, with stolen items such as Yeti coolers, Legos, Tumi bags, and women’s clothing.

During the investigation, deputies identified 34-year-old Omar Najera as an alleged accomplice. Najera is accused of providing Dipinto with stolen credit card numbers in exchange for merchandise obtained during the thefts.

Najera was arrested on November 6 in Encinitas, while Dipinto was apprehended in Mission Valley. Following the arrests, deputies reported recovering additional stolen items. Both men now face multiple charges related to theft and identity fraud.