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Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement stating that with new laws and 800 arrests, the California Highway Patrol continues its efforts to take down organized retail theft with operations statewide.
As Halloween is over and the holiday shopping season is almost underway, Newsom highlighted how California’s commitment to tackling organized retail theft statewide is showing results. This leverages a nation-leading new law and years of state investments to combat crime. Newsom said so far this year, the state’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has made nearly 800 arrests, conducted over 500 investigations, and recovered over 150,000 stolen goods with an estimated retail value of $8.6 million.
“With every arrest and every stolen item seized, we are sending a message loud and clear: California does not tolerate organized retail theft. It’s a message we’ve been sending for years,” Newsom said. “Through meaningful partnerships between state and local law enforcement, we are ensuring our communities are safer and that our businesses can keep thriving.”
Newsom stated that the ORCTF, with CHP as the lead, works with state, local, and federal partners to fight retail crimes statewide. Between the inception of the task force from 2019 to Sept. 30, Newsom mentioned that officers have been involved in over 4,050 investigations, leading to the arrest of nearly 4,600 suspects and recovered over 1.4 million stolen goods valued at approximately $60 million.
“Our success in combating organized retail crime is rooted in collaboration with our local law enforcement partners, retailers, and the communities we serve,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “Together, we’re protecting California businesses, holding criminals accountable, and helping restore a sense of safety and confidence for everyone who lives, works, and shops in our state.”
An operation that was conducted in August resulted in the CHP task force learning of a potential fencing operation from an investigation into thefts from ULTA Beauty, Newsom said.
According to Newsom, CHP officers and the Sacramento Police Department served a search warrant and seized a large quantity of suspected stolen retail merchandise. The value and item count for the suspected stolen retail merchandise are still being determined.
During another operation from CVS and Walgreens, Newsom mentioned CHP officers and Sacramento police worked together to serve a search warrant in September, recovering 655 items and returning them to the impacted retailers. A firearm was also seized.
Newsom said in a statement that a fencing operation is a criminal enterprise that buys, sells, and redistributes stolen property for a profit. He mentioned that the word “fence” refers to the individual or entity that acts as a middle-person between thieves and the final buyers, allowing them to convert the stolen goods into cash.
“California is delivering on its promises – significant investments in public safety help ensure safety in communities statewide, with lower crime rates in 2024,” Newsom said.
