The Los Angeles Police Department announced Monday it arrested 18 suspects in a string of organized retail thefts throughout the county.
According to police, four shoe and clothing retailers were struck during a two-day period beginning Dec. 1, with stolen merchandise totaling an estimated $23,000. Three of the locations were in the LAPDs jurisdiction and one was in the city of Paramount, under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.
Videos released by the LAPD show multiple suspects grabbing armloads of clothing. “No, dont take my stuff,” a voice can be heard saying in one clip. “No, dont take it.”
Eighteen suspects ages 15 to 20 were arrested on charges of organized retail theft and grand theft, police said. Eight vehicles were impounded and all the stolen items were recovered and returned.
Police said the same suspects are believed to be involved in 14 other thefts in Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, with the stolen items worth an estimated total of $90,000.
Police said the investigation, in partnership with the LASD, is ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward or submit an anonymous tip.
