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:
Name | Age | City |
Michael Soria | 35 | Thousand Oaks |
Derek Strunk | 57 | Thousand Oaks |
Richard Vargas | 35 | Canoga Park |
Brett Howard | 36 | Calabasas |
Brigitt Bastidas | 34 | Los Angeles |
Benjamin Ropes | 31 | Camarillo |
Roberta Peppler | 56 | Newbury Park |
John Sanchez | 51 | Los Angeles |
Brian Wendorf | 35 | Simi Valley |
Brian Reeger | 42 | Simi Valley |
Johnny Lopez | 37 | Newbury Park |
Eduardo Rodriguez | 19 | Thousand Oaks |
Female juvenile | 16 | Thousand Oaks |
Male juvenile | 17 | Thousand Oaks |
Male juvenile | 17 | Thousand Oaks |
Male juvenile | 17 | Thousand 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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