RLP NEWS
VENTURA, California — A weekend blitz operation conducted by the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force led to the arrest of 22 individuals, including 19 adults and three juveniles, on August 23 and 24. The operation resulted in the recovery of approximately $1,400 in stolen merchandise, as well as methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
The blitz operation concentrated law enforcement resources on specific retail locations to combat theft, and it was a joint effort between local law enforcement and Target Corporation. Detectives from the Task Force worked alongside detectives from the Simi Valley Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Moorpark Detective Bureau, and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations. They were supported by patrol deputies and officers from the Moorpark and Thousand Oaks stations, as well as the Simi Valley Police Department and Ventura County Community College District Police.
The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force was created following the Sheriff’s Office receiving a grant from the California Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program. The task force focuses on coordinated efforts to prevent and combat organized retail theft, vehicle theft, and cargo theft, which result in an estimated $10 million in losses annually in Ventura County.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding organized retail theft or related crimes to contact the Task Force at (805) 383-8703 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous.