Organized Retail Theft 

November 5, 2023 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Thursday, November 2, 2023, about 8:04 p.m., deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Lake Elsinore Station's Special Enforcement Team and the Robbery Burglary Suppression Team responded to a reported grand theft at a local retail store. The loss prevention employee advised the retail store suffered a loss of over $2,000 in merchandise earlier in the day and the suspects had returned. The suspects, one of which was later identified as Georgiana Velcu, a 19-year-old resident of Brea, and two juveniles returned to the retail store and were observed concealing items. Velcu and the two juvenile suspects were detained. During the investigation, deputies recovered over $10,000 in stolen merchandise from numerous retail stores within the County of Riverside. It is believed the suspects were part of an organized retail theft ring operating in the Inland Empire. Georgiana Velcu was transported and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on violations of grand theft and organized retail theft. The two juveniles were released to a parent or guardian, and charges will be filed with Juvenile Probation.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Noel at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245-3300.

As a reminder, "Community Policing" involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members.  Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff's Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Jarrod Meissen

File # L233060092

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office