LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The Los Angeles County police announced on Wednesday that a special task force has arrested multiple suspects and seized a large quantity of stolen goods after investigating an international theft ring operating locally.
According to reports from the City News Agency, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated in a press release that the Retail Crime Task Force conducted search warrants on August 4th at the 700 block of Serrano Ave and the 700 block of Alvarado St in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of two suspects who were allegedly reselling stolen retail goods in the MacArthur Park area.
Investigators also confirmed and seized approximately $39,238 worth of stolen merchandise, including clothing, kitchen items, cosmetics, and personal hygiene products. The task force has been coordinating with representatives from retailers such as Lululemon, Alo, Target, TJ Maxx, and Macy’s to identify the stolen goods.
On the 5th, the task force, in collaboration with the Inland Empire Freight Crime Task Force, executed a search warrant at a large warehouse on 2700 South Eastern Ave, seizing teeth-whitening toothpaste valued at $150,000 and 22 Edifier speakers (total value of $3,300).
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that on the 5th, the Retail Crime Task Force detectives also investigated a South American theft ring suspected of participating in organized retail theft cases in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Los Angeles County.
On the 6th, task force detectives monitored a South American-based criminal organization in Santa Clarita. The group was believed to be involved in multiple residential burglary cases in Walnut Creek, Glendale, and Baldwin Park.
Detectives observed the group scouting locations and noted their use of a Wi-Fi disruptor device that could disable security systems and block outgoing emergency calls.
Three suspects were apprehended without incident. Authorities found evidence on them including a Wi-Fi disruptor, fake license plates, burglary tools, clothing, and gloves.
Captain Calvin Mah of the Major Crimes Division stated, “These groups targeted businesses, goods, and residential communities throughout Los Angeles County. Our detectives worked closely with law enforcement partners to identify suspects across the region, recover a large amount of stolen property, and hold those involved accountable.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department established the Retail Crime Task Force in September 2023 to investigate, identify, and apprehend suspects involved in organized retail crime. The team is comprised of three units dedicated to organized burglary and robbery, retail crime, and merchandise theft.
Anyone with information related to organized retail theft, merchandise theft, or metal theft can contact the task force at 562-946-7270 or email orctf@lasd.org.
The public can also provide information anonymously through the Los Angeles Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.