Authorities in California have busted 117 sticky-fingered grinches who were part of an organized holiday shoplifting ring.
California Highway Patrol recovered 767 stolen items worth more than $38,000 in the coordinated daylong crackdown Friday that resulted in the sweeping arrests.
“Through proactive enforcement operations and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, we were able to protect the state’s businesses and consumers during one of the busiest times of the year,” California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee said.
“Our efforts send a clear message that retail theft in California will not be tolerated,” Duryee said.
Officers also recovered two illegal firearms and three stolen vehicles during the busts.
The arrest effort was undertaken by California’s retail theft task force, which involves 10 law enforcement agencies and 56 retailers, officials said.
Tagged:
Crime Blotter
