Organized retail crime remains a serious problem for retailers across the country and around the world. Every day, there are countless stories about criminal enterprises victimizing stores, threatening the safety of customers and employees, and the very fabric of the retail industry. To give you a better feel for the vast impact of the problem, we have provided a glimpse into just a few of the incidents that took place in the month of August, 2024.
Two arrested in $2.3 million southern Arizona retail theft operation
Two arrests were made in a multi-agency investigation into an organized retail theft operation in southern Arizona. OVPD, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Postal Inspectors in conjunction with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office worked with some of the involved retailers to gather evidence of the operation believed to have been occurring for over three years. According to OVPD, the suspect and other co-conspirators are suspected of stealing over $2.3 million worth of merchandise from various retailers in Oro Valley and in Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa Counties. He then allegedly sold the stolen merchandise to a retailer based in Connecticut.
Attorney General Secures Sentencing of Thieves Who Stole over $1.7 Million in Luxury Goods During ‘Smash and Grab’ Robberies
Eight people have been sentenced for “smash and grab” robberies carried out at high-end retail stores throughout Southern California for a total loss of over $1.7 million. The victims included Nordstrom, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, and Magnolia Park, an upscale boutique. “I am committed to bringing the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense; it was a dangerous, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities.”
22 Arrested in $1 million ORC Scheme Targeting California Cannabis Stores
Charges against 22 individuals were announced as part of “Operation Sticky Fingers,” which involved a statewide ORC operation targeting cannabis retail stores. Thus far, the case involves approximately 975 pounds of cannabis products, resulting in total losses of $1 million. It was determined that the suspects were responsible for at least 15 dispensary burglaries across nine counties in California. According to reports, the suspects would meet at predetermined locations, proceed to the targeted dispensaries and force entry overnight during non-business hours. Investigators determined that the suspects involved in the crime spree had ties to Oakland street gangs. Search and arrest warrants resulted in the seizure of over 50 pounds of cannabis.
Meijer out $805K after organized retail crime scheme
Meijer is out more than $800,000 due to an ORC scheme lasting several years in Michigan. Court documents name nine individuals as being part of the criminal enterprise. According to court records, in early 2022, Meijer discovered a loss of $805,000 due to counterfeit coupon barcodes. The documents filed show that transaction data and surveillance cameras revealed the use of fraudulent barcodes at Meijer. When detectives searched the suspect’s home, they found Visa and MasterCard gift cards that were fraudulently obtained from Meijer.
Over 300 pallets of allegedly stolen goods seized
Sheriff’s deputies found over 300 pallets of stolen merchandise after serving a search warrant in a warehouse in Jurupa Valley. A special enforcement team from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Moreno Valley station launched an investigation into an organized retail crime and trailer cargo theft ring. Deputies served a search warrant at a warehouse where they allegedly found more than 300 pallets of stolen merchandise ranging from small appliances to high-end gaming computers.
$500K in stolen retail merchandise recovered during Salem ORC bust
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office recovered an estimated $495,000 in merchandise stolen from retail stores while serving a search warrant at a property in northeast Salem. The search was part of months-long investigation into an organized retail theft ring. Investigators found a large amount of new merchandise believed to be stolen from stores, including over 2,200 Lego sets, over 8,500 videos and video sets, DVD, 4K, and Blu-Ray, over 800 vinyl records, and over 1,000 toys. The Salem Police Department, the Oregon Department of Justice, Target, Barnes & Noble Walmart and Fred Meyer helped the sheriff’s office with the investigation.
Man accused of stealing $468K in electronics, selling them on eBay
An Eads man is accused of stealing close to half a million dollars’ worth of Ethernet switches from a tractor trailer and selling them on eBay. According to Memphis Police, an 18-wheeler was parked near a warehouse. The driver told police he was unable to make a delivery and went to sleep, but when he woke, his trailer had been burglarized. 54 Arista Ethernet switches were stolen at a value of more than $468,000. Investigators found that the suspect had posted the switches on eBay and had already sold 28 of them to various buyers. Police say the switches all had serial numbers matching the stolen items. Ethernet switches manage the flow of data between devices, cloud services and the Internet. They are critical and they aren’t cheap — about $8,700 each.
$450K in Stolen Retail Items Recovered in CHP Operation
Investigators assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate Division Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF) recovered over $450,000 in stolen merchandise following a month-long investigation. In July, ORCTF investigators launched an investigation into a criminal network involved in a string of retail thefts targeting various retailers throughout the Bay Area. Through surveillance operations, investigators identified suspects believed to be involved in an illicit fencing operation and successfully executed warrants at an Oakland residence, searching the home, two vehicles, and a storage facility. Retail industry partners involved in the operation valued the recovered merchandise, consisting mainly of items found at drug stores, at over $450,000.
ORC Task Force Shuts Down Ring, Recovers Nearly $400K in Stolen Goods
An Inglewood man and a father-daughter duo have been charged for stealing nearly $400,000 in goods and selling counterfeit items at a swap meet, following an investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF). CHP investigators served a search warrant in connection with an ongoing retail theft investigation at a residence where stolen merchandise was being stored and sold at an open-air market. Investigators recovered nearly $400,000 in stolen retail merchandise, designer shoes, purses, and perfume, which were being sold as legitimate brand name items. Investigators identified the suspect as a “fence” after following retail thieves to his residence where they sold retail items they had stolen earlier that day.
Three face charges in $310K statewide high-end retail theft ring
Three people face felony charges for their alleged involvement in a series of organized ORC crimes at high-end retail stores throughout the state. From Dec. 12, 2022 to Feb. 12, 2024, there were commercial burglaries and attempted burglaries in multiple California counties, which led to $309,752 in estimated losses. The suspects allegedly ran into high-end retail stores, grabbed purses and other expensive merchandise that were securely attached to displays with locks, and then ran from the stores. The stolen merchandise included brands like Burberry, Prada, Sunglass Hut, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, Gucci, Coach, Versace and Maison Margiela.
$197K worth of purses stolen from Saks in Beachwood
After smashing into Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place Mall (Ohio) with a sledge hammer, thieves grabbed designer purses and fled, said Beachwood police. Four different sections of handbag displays were missing merchandise and had damage, including Saint Laurent (YSL), Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga and Dior. The preliminary theft amount as $196,770. Police said four suspects were involved in the crime and they were inside the store a total of three minutes. They wore gloves and face coverings and filled black trash bags with the stolen purses. After the theft, the suspects fled in a black SUV with no license plate.
SFPD Arrests Violent and Prolific ORC Suspects
The San Francisco Police Department has arrested four prolific ORC suspects for dozens of retail-related incidents, some of which involved committing violence to store employees. More than $190,000 in retail merchandise was stolen and there was over $19,000 in damage. In most incidents, approximately 8-10 suspects would rush into and ransack stores to commit the thefts. In other cases, suspects would shatter glass displays to take high-value or frequently stolen items. In several cases, the suspects would force entry into stores that were closed and locked but were still occupied by employees working inside. Suspects would often go behind store counters to confront employees, steal high-value merchandise, or attempt to steal currency from cash registers. Two children, ages 11 And 13, were involved in the prolific ORC ring.
Fairfax County police crackdown on organized retail theft rings
Fairfax County police have announced a number of arrests and identified other suspects still wanted in connection to multiple high-end and organized retail theft cases. “They’ve been stealing also from high-end retail stores, and we call them the Air Pod crew because they work in conjunction with each other using Air Pods to communicate with each other to try to disguise what they’re doing” says Deputy Chief Gregory Fried of Fairfax County Police Department. Investigators say this ORC crew has been linked to approximately $170,000 in total losses from high-end boutique retailers across seven states.
Spanish Fort Best Buy thieves linked to national theft ring
Two men were captured on surveillance video stealing bags full of electronics from a Best Buy in Spanish Fort. Police said that one of the suspects seemed to be on the lookout watching the door and distracting the workers while the other suspect was stuffing his bag with cameras and other electronics. The men are believed to be connected to over 20 thefts at Best Buy locations nationwide. Investigators believe one suspect has stolen at least $120,000 worth of goods himself. They believe the men could be part of a national ORC ring responsible for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise.
Arrest made in elaborate gift card fraud scheme
Lynnwood Police Department Detectives, in collaboration with prosecutors at the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office, have arrested a 28-year-old female suspect alleged to be the mastermind of an elaborate gift card fraud scheme depriving hundreds of victims of their gift card balances without their knowledge. One business estimated the loss to their business and customers was nearly $100,000. During a search of her residence, investigators located several stolen firearms, one of which was an Uzi-style firearm with an affixed silencer. Investigators also located a credit card embosser, tools used to create fake checks, approximately one pound of illegal drugs and seized approximately $40,000 in cash.
For Those Interested in Learning More
August was another busy month for those involved in organized retail crime. For those interested in learning more, here are some of the additional incidents that took place this month. Click on the links to explore some of these events:
SFPD Arrests 61 Organized Retail Crime Suspects in Recent Blitz Operations
To help reduce retail thefts and to hold people who commit these crimes accountable, San Francisco Police officers pre-planned shoplifting and retail theft ‘blitz’ operation. Between May and July officers arrested a total of 61 suspects.
$80K worth of stolen merchandise recovered after routine probation search
A massive ORC bust resulted in about $80,000 worth of stolen merchandise being recovered. Police launched a routine probation search of a residence where officers found a massive stash of merchandise suspected to have been stolen in ORC. A gun, ammunition, suspected drugs, and about $30,000 in cash was also recovered.
Suspect in series of retail thefts at outlet mall arrested
A man suspected of ORC stole over $30,000 in stolen goods from the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Police initially investigated two cases, finding the suspects had used a particular “booster bag” to hide stolen goods.
Florida man booked into jail for the 75th time following Lowe’s barcode scam
A 57-year-old man has been apprehended for the 75th time after being accused of a barcode manipulation scheme targeting Lowe’s stores. The suspect was switching barcodes on items or scanning cheaper products to avoid paying full price.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Announces Takedown of Large-Scale ORC Ring
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced dozens of charges against five people involved in a significant organized retail theft operation that targeted stores across nine counties in Pennsylvania. The total value of stolen goods is estimated to be worth more than $71,000.
Long Beach police ID suspects in ORC ring
Two suspects have been identified in an organized retail theft ring that is responsible for at least $59,000 in losses to Long Beach businesses, police say. In total, they have been connected to at least a dozen thefts.
Michigan men charged for defrauding Amazon of more than $50,000
Two Detroit-area men have been charged with allegedly defrauding Amazon of more than $50,000. The men allegedly used Amazon accounts to purchase high-value products and ship back less valuable items or not send anything back at all.
Arrest made in Eastern Europe ORC investigation
A man has been arrested as part of Operation Tairge, an operation connected to multiple thefts carried out across Ireland by an Eastern European ORC gang, primarily involving premium alcohol and spirits with an estimated potential loss in excess of €30,000.
Suspect linked to 24 ORC incidents in past 3 months
A man has been connected to 24 shoplifting incidents that resulted in more than $36,000 worth of merchandise being stolen. Businesses targeted included ACME, Best Buy, Burlington, Buy Buy Baby, Cabela’s, Carter’s, Lowe’s Home Improvement, multiple Marshalls stores, New Balance, Nordstrom Rack, multiple Old Navy stores, Staples, and T. J. Maxx.
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