The Alameda Police Department (APD) recovered eight truckloads of stolen property worth approximately $75,000, along with multiple stolen vehicles and more than $10,000 in cash. They made the recovery following a successful investigation into a grand theft reported on February 9 at Old Navy in South Shore Shopping Center. The investigation also led to an arrest.
[1]APD worked with California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Organized Retail Crime Task Force to conduct the investigation into a targeted retail theft operation, and identified a pattern in similar cases, where organized retail groups enter a business and systematically remove large quantities of merchandise. APD launched a thorough investigation in collaboration with the CHP and Old Navy’s loss prevention team to identify not only the individuals entering the stores, but also the parties receiving the merchandise.
“While we celebrate this significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address organized retail theft, we recognize our work is far from over,” stated APD Investigations Lieutenant Brian Foster. “We remain committed to working closely with our community partners to ensure safe shopping experiences and help support the success of our local businesses.”
[3]APD’s Facebook page [4] expressed “huge thanks to Old Navy’s Loss Prevention Team. Their collaboration played a pivotal role in the success of this operation.” In an official press release, APD also extended its gratitude to the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force, and to the loss prevention teams at Kohl’s, LensCrafters, Ross, T.J. Maxx/Marshalls, Walgreens, Carter’s, Walmart, Safeway, and Nordstrom for their assistance.
The investigation remains ongoing, so no further details are being released at this time. APD continues to encourage residents and businesses to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.