February 2, 2024 - Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials report that they attended a press conference alongside other law enforcement agencies and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The conference aimed to discuss our joint efforts in combating organized retail theft in our community. We realize these brazen thefts affect the business community and the consumer significantly, and we are dedicated to continuing to work diligently to tackle these crimes.

In September 2023, the department established the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force (ORCTF) as part of our commitment to combat retail theft.

“The Sheriff’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force in collaboration with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and our partner law enforcement agencies are continuing to work tirelessly to tackle these brazen smash-and-grabs that are having a significant impact on our business communities,” said Major Crimes Bureau Acting Captain Rob Peacock. “Since inception of our task force, we have arrested 438 suspects related to retail theft and 309 cases have been successfully filed. We are not only focused on the individuals responsible for the thefts, but those that are in the criminal chain—the getaway drivers, those that harbor them, and those that sell the stolen merchandise. These individuals need to understand that there will be consequences—we will use all our resources to identify, pursue, and arrest these suspects.”

The ORCTF is investigating incidents of theft from retailers and working on identifying people who run "fence" locations where stolen goods are sold for profit. Last week, the Task Force targeted a known "fence" in the Antelope Valley, resulting in the seizure of over $300,000 in stolen merchandise, recovery of two illegal firearms, and arrest of four individuals.

Investigating and apprehending individuals involved in organized retail crimes will remain a top priority for the ORCTF. Through partnerships and by pursuing these cases, we aim to communicate that anyone who engages in organized retail crimes within Los Angeles County will face arrest and be held accountable for their actions.

The ORCTF is working with our partner law enforcement agencies and the business communities to address these crimes. We encourage businesses and the public to report these thefts by contacting the Organized Retail Theft Task Force at ORCTF@LASD.org, or (562) 946-7270.

Source & photos: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department