California’s Retail Theft Crime Task Force Seizes $850,000 in Goods in 2 Operations

‘These arrests and operations should put criminals on notice,’ said Gov. Gavin Newsom, who signed a new law authorizing the task force’s ongoing operation.

CVS items are among nearly 14,000 products recovered in a retail theft ring investigation in Glendale, Calif., on Aug. 31, 2023. Courtesy of California Highway Patrol

California’s retail theft crime task force uncovered $850,000 in stolen goods and arrested multiple suspects on felony charges in operations in Orange and Alameda counties.

“Our organized retail crime task force throughout the state is cracking down on criminal organizations and holding thieves and resellers accountable,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in an Aug. 26 statement. “These arrests and operations should put criminals on notice—we won’t tolerate retail theft and will take you down.”