In the bustling city of Vista, the season of giving has turned into a season of taking for some, as a gaggle of Grinches aimed to swipe holiday joy right off the shelves. In a crackdown on retail theft, sheriff’s deputies have collared seven accused shoplifters in a targeted sting at local Target stores, as reported by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. The anti-theft blitz, which took place on November 30, in the crime-fighting spirit of the holidays, saw deputies teaming with Target's Loss Prevention Unit to catch red-handed those who attempted to purloin products.
Working diligently and decked with the determination of Santa’s elves, deputies nabbed the alleged thieves who were, in their efforts at playing the part of pilfering holiday revelers, busy stuffing merchandise into bags and pockets. As a result of their joint operation, around $1,800 worth of goods was recovered from the big red bullseye, the symbol of bullseye savings turning into a beacon for petty crime. The collaborative watchdog effort extended beyond Target, as the swoop also saw the retrieval of over $2,800 in hot goods from Home Depot’s coffers, according to sheriff’s officials.
Those apprehended include Allen McNabb, Martha Madrigal Villanueva, Isaiah Mojica, Alejandro Villegas, Heather Ovalle, Isaiah Cruz, and Alex Valadez. Each now faces allegations of shoplifting.
