RLP NEWS
West Hollywood sheriff’s deputies played a key role in a major retail theft bust spanning Los Angeles and Southgate, leading to the recovery of over $4 million in stolen merchandise, some of which was taken from local West Hollywood businesses, authorities announced.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) detailed the operation, stating that deputies from the West Hollywood CIT Team assisted the Major Crimes Bureau’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) in executing nine coordinated search warrants.
“Targeting organized retail theft across LA County, the operation led to the recovery of over $4 million in stolen goods, a large sum of U.S. currency, and the arrest of nine adult suspects,” the LASD West Hollywood Station shared in a social media post. “Some of the stolen merchandise was linked directly to West Hollywood businesses.”
The ORCTF, working in partnership with loss prevention investigators from major retailers, successfully identified and dismantled theft and fencing operations dealing in high-value stolen goods, including over-the-counter medications and cosmetics.
During the operation, authorities arrested seven suspects and seized a significant amount of cash, though the exact amount was not disclosed. The theft ring affected at least 17 major retailers, including:
🛍 Target
🛍 ULTA Beauty
🛍 CVS
🛍 Walgreens
🛍 Nordstrom
🛍 Bath & Body Works
🛍 Macy’s
🛍 TJ Maxx
Cracking Down on Organized Retail Crime
Established in September 2023, the ORCTF was launched to combat the rising wave of organized retail theft. Operating within the LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau, the task force works alongside the Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team (CCATS) and the Burglary and Robbery Task Force (BRTF). Their efforts include collaboration with local law enforcement, federal agencies, and other specialized teams to dismantle large-scale theft operations.
The arrested suspects now face multiple felony charges, including:
✅ Organized retail theft
✅ Grand theft
✅ Receiving stolen property
Authorities confirm that investigations remain ongoing, with the task force continuing to track down leads and disrupt criminal networks.
How to Report Retail Theft
Officials urge anyone with information related to organized retail crime to contact the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force at:
📧 ORCTF@LASD.ORG
📞 562-946-7270
Public cooperation plays a crucial role in law enforcement efforts to curb retail theft and protect businesses across Los Angeles County.