SFPD Arrests 13 Suspects in Organized Retail Operation 24-132

   Investigation yields over $1600 in merchandise recovered and a replica firearm seized

To help reduce retail thefts and to hold people who commit these crimes accountable, San Francisco Police officers pre-planned shoplifting and retail theft abatement enforcement operations to address Organized Retail Crimes (ORC). These operations involved coordinated efforts of uniformed and plainclothes officers who wait to arrest criminals who shoplift from retail businesses.

Retail businesses located on the 1300 block of Castro Street and the 1100 block of Potrero Avenue were chosen for operations due to the high number of shoplifting incidents the businesses were experiencing.

On October 29, 2024, the operations resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects. 10 adult suspects were cited and released at the scene.  2 adult suspects were booked at San Francisco County Jail for outstanding warrants in addition to the on-view theft charges, and 1 juvenile was admonished at the scene.  During one of the incidents, officers located a replica firearm on one of the suspects.  This is a reminder that officers often encounter suspects that may carry weapons to use for other crimes. 

The stolen property taken by the suspects was seized by officers during the operations and returned to the stores. Officers are conducting similar ORC operations throughout the city and making a number of arrests in other retail business locations.

As part of a $15.3 Million grant awarded in 2023 by the State of California for Organized Retail Theft Prevention SFPD is committed to addressing the issue that has greatly affected our community. Our officers have made dozens of ORC arrests in recent months and will continue to conduct these operations throughout San Francisco to reduce thefts at local businesses.

Any business that would like to participate in an Organized Retail Crime operation can contact
[email protected].

Although arrests have been made, these are open and active investigations. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

SFPD Case# 240-680-270, 240-679-847, 240-679-110, 240-680-208, 240-680-189, 240-679-944, 240-679-803, 240-679-734