Fourteen shoplifting suspects were arrested in two separate blitz operations in downtown Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a March 4 statement.
“Retail theft continues to be a major issue in the Downtown Los Angeles area resulting in the daily loss of thousands of dollars,” police said. “Blitz operations are conducted to address this issue by collaborating with impacted retailers to strategically saturate the problem areas with personnel and resources.”
Four suspects were taken into custody Feb. 29 in a store on South Broadway. They are Mario Moreno, 38; Kristyanna Banuelos, 19; Vaneza Quiero, 35; and Amalya Sutton, 23, according to police.
The other 10 were arrested March 1 at the FiGat7th Plaza near 7th and Figueroa streets. Seven were identified by police as Valeria Vazquez- Zuniga, 25; Augustus Evans, 54; Quincy Davis, 53; Leila Vavalette, 48; Edna Ordonez-Escobar, 53; Alondra Leon, 32; and Darion Moore, 38, authorities said.
The other three suspects were juveniles and their identities were not disclosed.
According to the LAPD, several of the suspects were eligible to be cited and released while others had pending warrants.
Police are asking anyone with more information about the shoplifting incidents to call the LAPD Central Burglary Theft Detectives at (213) 833-3750 or at (877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247) during non-business hours or on weekends. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
