Retail Theft Task Force conducts blitz operation in Port Hueneme 

June 22, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force, in collaboration with the Port Hueneme Police Department, recently conducted a blitz operation at the CVS and Ralphs retail stores in Port Hueneme resulting in the arrest of two Oxnard residents in two separate shoplifting incidents.  In both cases, officers were able to recover stolen merchandise from the suspects, including groceries and housewares.

Lorenzo Alvarez and Christopher Diaz were booked on misdemeanor shoplifting charges along with outstanding warrants for their arrest, one of which was for a prior theft case.  They both remain in custody at the Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura.

A “blitz” is a targeted enforcement operation focusing on specific retail stores in Ventura County. Undercover Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force detectives both inside and outside the stores collaborate with loss prevention officers to identify and arrest individuals suspected of shoplifting and/or organized retail theft.

The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force was formed after the Sheriff’s Office was awarded grant funding under the California Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program.  This program formalizes a coordinated effort, overseen by the Sheriff’s Office, involving all law enforcement agencies in Ventura County to prevent and combat the estimated $10 million yearly loss from organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft and cargo theft.

The task force is comprised of detectives from various agencies within Ventura County with the primary mission of combatting organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft and cargo theft which impact our businesses, citizens, and communities here in Ventura County.  The task force aims to provide a safe environment for everyone while working hand in hand with retailers, law enforcement agencies and the public to identify, locate and arrest the criminals involved in these types of crimes.

Persons with information regarding organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle parts theft or cargo theft are encouraged to call the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force’s recorded line at (805) 383-8703 or by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line (800) 222-TIPS (8477).  You can remain anonymous when calling either number.

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office