Mass Retail Theft Bust: 16 Arrested in Southern California Sting

Mass Retail Theft Bust 16 Arrested in Southern California Sting
Image Via: KTLA

Following a significant retail theft bust in Ventura County, authorities reported on Wednesday that 16 persons had been apprehended.

The effort targeted Newbury Park shops. Loss prevention agents from Home Depot, TJ Maxx, and Target shops collaborated with Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force authorities to apprehend retail thieves.

Deputies detained 16 people on a range of offenses during the two-day “blitz,” which happened on September 20–21. These accusations included stealing, retail theft, endangering children, possessing drug paraphernalia, identity theft, and more.

Authorities added that methamphetamine and burglary tools were found with about $2,000 worth of stolen goods.

The accused were named as follows:

NameAgeCity
Michael Soria35Thousand Oaks
Derek Strunk57Thousand Oaks
Richard Vargas35Canoga Park
Brett Howard36Calabasas
Brigitt Bastidas34Los Angeles
Benjamin Ropes31Camarillo
Roberta Peppler56Newbury Park
John Sanchez51Los Angeles
Brian Wendorf35Simi Valley
Brian Reeger42Simi Valley
Johnny Lopez37Newbury Park
Eduardo Rodriguez19Thousand Oaks
Female juvenile16Thousand Oaks
Male juvenile17Thousand Oaks
Male juvenile17Thousand Oaks
Male juvenile17Thousand Oaks

Detectives from multiple agencies are part of the Ventura County Organized Retail crime Task Force, which is dedicated to addressing organized retail crime, automobile and vehicle part theft, and cargo theft.

“The task force aims to provide a safe environment for everyone while working hand in hand with retailers, law enforcement agencies and the public to identify, locate and arrest the criminals involved in these types of crimes,” the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office stated.

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It is recommended that anyone with information regarding theft instances give the Task Force a call at 805-383-8703. If you would want to take part in similar blitz operations and are a retailer or business owner in Ventura County experiencing major retail theft, please contact 805-383-8703.

Anonymous tips can be sent online at lacrimestoppers.org or by calling 1-800-222-8477 to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.