San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón announced today that 16 people have been charged in an "organized theft conspiracy" that saw $225K in losses from 18 different high-end Union Square retailers.
According to a press release issued today, the crime strategies unit within Gascón's office is now reviewing evidence in previous cases to make connections and press charges against repeat offenders. This is a departure from the department's traditional practice of investigating each case individually.
"From retail theft to auto burglary to conspiracy, my office’s Crime Strategies Unit is reviewing evidence from previous cases to enable prosecutions that reflect a repeat offender’s culpability in prior crimes—rather than simply the crime that led to arrest," Gascón said. "This ensures that when police catch a repeat offender, the consequences they face are commensurate with the impact they’ve had on the community.”
Gascón's crime strategies unit began investigating the Union Square thefts in August 2015, and connected one group of thieves to incidents across San Francisco, the press release stated. Connections were also made to thefts in Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Phoenix, Houston and beyond.
The charges now being pressed against 16 different people represent $225,000 in losses from retailers like Lululemon, Barney's, Christian Dior and 15 other retailers.
With assistance from this investigation, nearby counties are also in the process of prosecuting 10 other people for $215,000 in losses.
Previously: SFPD Nabs Second Suspect In String Of Union Square Robberies
