California authorities have arrested 177 clingy Grinches who were part of a holiday shoplifting ring.
California Highway Patrol recovered 767 stolen items worth more than $38,000 during a day-long coordinated operation Friday that led to major arrests.
“Through aggressive enforcement efforts and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and retailers, we protect our state's businesses and consumers during the busiest time of the year,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Dury. I was able to do that.''
“Our efforts send a clear message that retail theft in California will not be tolerated,” Dury said.
Officers also recovered two illegal firearms and three stolen vehicles during the raid.
Officials said the arrests were conducted by the California Retail Theft Task Force, which includes 10 law enforcement agencies and 56 retailers.
The task force was established in 2019 and is dedicated to combating the exploding epidemic of organized retail theft.
Earlier this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill updating the Golden State's laws targeting organized theft rings. The new law included tactics such as increased penalties.
“These new laws point to a better path forward that will make our communities safer and provide meaningful tools to help law enforcement catch criminals and hold them accountable. ,” Newsom said. said when he signed the bill in August.
New York state passed a similar bill, introducing new penalties for retail theft and devoting resources to cracking down on organized retail theft rings.
