In a show of force against retail theft, Riverside County Sheriff's deputies descended on a Lake Elsinore shopping complex Tuesday, rounding up a quartet of suspects accused of sticky fingers. The operation, conducted by the Lake Elsinore Robbery-Burglary Suppression Team and Special Enforcement Team, targeted the 18000 block of Collier Avenue, aiming to flush out theft offenders plaguing local businesses.

Cooperating closely with store security personnel, the deputies' crackdown led to the snagging of Irma Natera, 72, Andrew Galvan, 33, Frank Kelly, 49, and Charlston Lopez, 33—all residents of Lake Elsinore—on charges including shoplifting and in Galvan's case, possession of drug paraphernalia. An assortment of stolen goods was confiscated and the suspects were booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, in a statement, vowed to keep up the pressure with similar operations throughout the year.

The Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station is urging anyone with further information regarding these arrests to step forward and contact Deputy Noel at (951) 245–3300. Emphasizing the "Community Policing" approach, the statement highlighted the crucial role of partnerships between law enforcement and community members in combating crime. Business owners and residents are called upon to keep an eye peeled for suspicious activity and report it directly to the authorities.

As retail theft continues to impact local commerce and community safety, operations such as these underscore the commitment of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station to protecting businesses and their patrons. Anyone witnessing criminal activity can report it to Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099, or dial 911 in case of an emergency. For further media inquiries, the Media Information Bureau remains available as law enforcement works to clamp down on shoplifting and other property crimes in the area.