Thirty-seven suspects have been arrested in connection with a major retail theft in Ventura County.
The two-day blitz took place Dec. 6-7 at Pacific View Mall in Ventura, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers recovered approximately $2,000 worth of stolen property, as well as burglary tools and various drugs used in the theft, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.
The suspects were identified as:
Freddy Velazquez, 18, Santa Paula Sabana Hartman, 18, Oxnard Safraya Hartman, 21, Oxnard Jacob Aragon, 22, Camarillo Jonathan Zazue Ta, 26, Oxnard Schuyler Martin, 26, Ventura Ashley Honsberger, 27, Ventura Erica Martinez, 29, Ventura Herakliorara, 29, Ventura William Borchard, 32, Ventura Alyona French, 33, Ventura Travis Ross, 34, Ojai Anthony Romero, 34, Oxnard Randy Martinez, 35, Santa Paula Andres Fernandez, 35, Oxnard Tony Valdez, 37, Ventura Richard Munoz, 39, Ventura Matthew Lally; 43, Ventura Candice Arsenault, 43, Oxnard William Martinez, 45, Ventura Valentin Lucero, 53, Ventura 16 unidentified juveniles.
Officers worked with loss prevention teams from Target, J.C. Penney and Macy’s, as well as Allied Security, which provides security services to Pacific View Mall.
“This effort highlights a serious shoplifting problem that not only affects shopping malls, but also businesses across the county,” the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
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The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force is comprised of detectives from various agencies within Ventura County and focuses on combating organized retail theft, vehicle/vehicle part theft, and cargo theft.
“The task force will work with retailers, law enforcement and the public to identify, locate and apprehend criminals involved in these types of crimes, while providing a safe environment for everyone. “We are aiming to do so,” the sheriff’s office said.
Special Investigations Unit detectives worked with members of the Sheriff’s West County Special Enforcement Unit and the District Attorney’s Office Investigations Bureau. They were assisted by officers from the Ventura Police Department and patrol officers from the Thousand Oaks and Camarillo stations.
Anyone with information regarding a possible theft incident is encouraged to call the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force at 805-383-8703. Anonymous tips can be provided to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
Retailers who have experienced serious retail theft and are interested in participating in a similar blitz should call 805-383-8703.
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