Retail Theft Hurting Local Businesses

On July 19, around 6:45 p.m., six people ran in and robbed the San Leandro branch of Health Unlimited. According to Ethan Falls, the manager of the Castro Valley branch, the thieves ran out with about $4,000 in merchandise.

According to Falls, the same group also robbed health food stores in Alameda, Dublin, and Pleasanton on July 19. The other victim stores include Valley Health Mill in Pleasanton, Castro Valley Natural Grocery, Alameda Natural Grocery, and Sprouts in Dublin.  

The robberies were conducted by a group of six people (four adults and two children), Falls said. In response, Health Unlimited sent a flier to its stores and other local merchants to ensure that people were aware of and on the lookout for the group. The group is wanted for shoplifting, and Health Unlimited called the incident a “grand theft felony.”

Falls said he normally doesn’t see theft like that in the Castro Village Shopping Center. 

“I mean, sporadically in the store, we see some stuff. And then I’ve seen some stuff at Ross where people come running out with stuff, but it's not too much,” Falls said. 

Organized retail theft has increased each year since the 2020 pandemic. Property crimes were up 7 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, including 40 reported cases of theft or larceny, such as robberies and car break-ins, according to Alameda County Sheriff's Office estimates.  

Organized retail theft differs from shoplifting, a category of larceny in crime data involving the theft of items valued at $950 or less. Commercial burglary is reported in the burglary category. Both Organized retail theft and commercial burglary are considered property crimes. 

According to a report this month by the Little Hoover Commission, an independent state oversight agency, the most direct consequences of retail theft are the losses experienced by businesses. This is especially true for family-owned businesses, which can't afford to lose merchandise and may even end up closing because of these thefts. 

“In addition to the immediate monetary losses, there are indirect costs associated with retail theft, such as enhanced security measures and increased insurance premiums,” the report said. “In extreme cases, these cumulative expenses can result in business closures, affecting local employment.”

Health Unlimited is still looking for the group. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alameda County Sheriff's Office at (510) 667-7721.