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A Southern California woman has been arrested and charged after police seized more than $350,000 in mass retail theft destruction.
Police were investigating a retail theft on March 5th when search warrants were provided at stores on 6th Avenue and Alvarado Streets across from MacArthur Park in the Westlake area of Los Angeles.
According to Los Angeles police, the store was said to belong to Blanca Escobar, 65, of Los Angeles.
Inside the store, police found a large stock shop lined with shelves filled with stolen goods.
Bust photos show a huge collection of beauty and healthcare products, skincare items, sneakers, clothing, tumblers, accessories and more.
Items were stolen from retailers such as Ross, TJ Max, Macy’s, Target, CVS, Walgreens and Kroger. Officials said the estimated retail value of the stolen goods is above $350,000.
Police discovered stolen items worth around $300,000 worth of stolen items in a large retail theft at a store around Westlake, Los Angeles on March 5, 2025. Items stolen during a massive retail theft at a store around Westlake, Los Angeles on March 5th, 2025. (Los Angeles Police Station)
Officers also found illegal slot machines in business.
Police said the number of items was extremely overwhelming as they would have to rent a U-Haul truck to remove the item. Escobar was arrested at the scene.
On March 27, she was charged with counting eight felony counts of stolen property in excess of $950 and one misdemeanor of playing the game, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
She also faces allegations that the crime demonstrated planning, refinement and professionalism.
“This case is an important step in cleaning MacArthur Park, a community that has long struggled with crime and safety concerns,” said LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “The fight against retail theft, organized in close partnerships with LAPD and other law enforcement, is a priority for my administration, and my office will prosecute this case vigorously and send unmistakable messages to criminals.
An arrest hearing will be set for May 22nd. If convicted as a charge, Escobar faces eight years and six months in prison. She was not in custody and was ordered to return to the next court date.
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