Ventura County, CA– The Ventura County officials announced on Thursday the outcomes of a recent initiative called “Shoplift With a Cop,” which resulted in the confiscation of drugs and several arrests, involving a number of minors.
“While many Ventura County residents embraced the holiday spirit of giving at this past weekend’s ‘Shop with a Cop’ event, others had a much different idea and found themselves in handcuffs as a result of the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force’s ‘Shoplift With a Cop’ blitz operation,” the Ventura County sheriff posted on Instagram.
Last Friday and Saturday, the task force carried out its festive “blitz” operation at Pacific View Mall in Ventura.The collaboration involved loss prevention teams from major retailers such as Target, JCPenney, and Macy’s, alongside Allied Security, which offers security services for the shopping center.
“The operation led to the arrest of 21 adults and 16 juveniles, the recovery of nearly $2,000 in stolen property, and the seizure of burglary tools and various narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine,” the post read.
The recent operations were characterized as a widespread approach focusing on particular retail establishments to address theft issues.
“This effort highlights the significant shoplifting challenges affecting not only the mall but also businesses across the county,” the Sheriff’s Department stated.