A sting operation conducted by the Organized Retail Crime Task Force on December 5th ended with a dozen individuals busted for store thefts in downtown L.A. area, as detailed by a recent LAPD Newsroom release.
The multi-department task force, comprising detectives from various surrounding areas—including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Burbank—worked in street clothes to seamlessly blend into the retail environment to intervene in theft acts swiftly. These undercover activities aim to disrupt organized retail crimes that spike during holiday times.
Twelve arrests were made around the 700 block of South Figueroa Street, with culprits caught red-handed pocketing merchandise and attempting to leave the premises without paying. They were promptly apprehended by uniformed officers standing by. Among the nabbed suspects were individuals ranging from 28 to 48 years old, including Tinder Math, Anthony Williams, and Alecia Latonya Williams, who faced an additional misdemeanor warrant.
As the task force clamps down on thefts, all stolen goods have been returned to their rightful retail owners, thanks to the collaborative effort between the specialized task force and various LAPD divisions.
Lieutenant Mike McComas urges the community to come forward with any pertinent information regarding ongoing retail thefts. Tips can be shared via a direct call to Lieutenant McComas, through the LAPD's 24/7 line, or anonymously through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers website and the "P3 Tips" mobile application.
