In a significant blow to organized retail theft, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), along with partner law enforcement agencies, arrested more than 50 people and recovered more than $60,000 and merchandise in Central Valley earlier this month. The CHP conducted several operations as part of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF), which was formed in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom. The ORCTF has worked tirelessly since that time to help recover $30.7 million in stolen merchandise, officials noted, returning the goods to impacted retailers throughout California.
With ramped up law enforcement cooperation and activities across California, the CHP seeks to disrupt criminal operations of this nature across the state, sending a strong message that these illicit activities will not be tolerated.
“Through increased collaborative efforts, retailers and law enforcement have become more efficient and effective in our fight against organized retail crime,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “As a result, the number of statewide investigations and arrests by the task force have increased year over year – keeping more Californians safe.”
Since the inception of the ORCTF, there have been more than 1,850 investigations into retail crimes in California that have resulted in over 1,250 arrests. One key to the ORCTF’s success is the partnership with retailers, local law enforcement, and district attorneys, to effectively disrupt organized retail theft rings and prosecute organized retail crimes.
“Organized retail theft is simply unacceptable,” said Governor Newsom. “No state is investing more to tackle this type of crime –– and I’m incredibly proud of the CHP, and our law enforcement and retail partners, for doubling down to keep our businesses and families safe.”
A recent press conference highlighted the results from the “Blitz” operations conducted by the CHP Central Division’s ORCTF in which more than 50 suspects were arrested for various violations including organized retail crime, shoplifting, grand theft, petty theft, criminal conspiracy, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools and possession of a stolen vehicle. Over the course of the two-day operation, nearly 700 assets were recovered and returned to the victims.
“The CHP is committed to investigating these reprehensible crimes,” added Duryee. “Our investigators throughout the state work countless hours to identify, apprehend, and submit for prosecution those individuals who are victimizing our communities.”
If you witness one of these crimes occurring, do not attempt to intervene. Call 9-1-1. Members of the public and retailers can also report retail crime tips directly through the CHP’s website.
