Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Retail Theft

Local law enforcement is cracking down on hordes of thieves targeting retail stores in the Bay Area.

The latest “smash-and-grab” theft happened at an Apple Store in Santa Rosa, which saw four suspects ranging between 18 to 14 make off with $20,000 in merchandise last Wednesday. 

More than a dozen high-end stores and malls saw swarms of thieves take off with items such as electronics, designer clothing, and designer handbags prior to the pre-Black Friday shopping season. Stores in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, San Jose, Hayward, Oakland, and Pleasanton were hit within days of each other. These crimes happen quickly, officials say, and the suspects may not be caught in the act even with security footage or a smartphone camera. So far, only a dozen or so people have been arrested in connection with these crimes.

“These are clearly carefully orchestrated crimes, working together in large groups to create a mob-like mentality,” said Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley in a statement. “They are instilling fear in merchants, customers, and the wider community. This is especially appalling at a time where many are out and about during the holiday season. Be assured that those caught and arrested will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Late last week, O’Malley announced an alliance with her colleagues in six other counties as well as state agencies to combat these “smash-and-grab” thefts. Through information sharing and coordination, the Districts Attorneys say working together creates a greater likelihood of arrests and accountability than everyone working in isolation.

While police departments beef up patrols in retail areas, the coalition of these DAs say they are focused on busting up the fencing rings and individuals who purchase stolen goods and often operate across county boundaries.

 “This alliance of prosecutors is committed to developing strategies to combat these organized crimes. Together, we are determined to stop those who participate in organized retail theft, including by dismantling the fencing networks that make this type of crime profitable,” said San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. “Retail theft crimes are affecting all counties in the Bay Area as well as across the nation. Collaboration and shared strategies with neighboring prosecutors and law enforcement partners are critical to both preventing and responding to organized retail theft.” 

Organized retail theft has adverse and costly impacts on business owners and consumers alike. Those responding to a National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2021 Organized Retail Crime Survey said organized criminals are more violent and aggressive than in years past. Some thieves even use crowbars and hammers to help smash display cases making the crime easier. 

In addition to pricey apparel and accessories, the other top items targeted by organized retail crime gangs include laundry detergent, allergy medicine, razors, high-end liquor, and pain relievers, according to NRF’s survey.