In a crackdown on organized retail theft spanning multiple counties, four members of a family from Jurupa Valley have been nabbed for their alleged shoplifting spree, authorities said. The operation, which targeted several Southern California retail stores, saw merchandise worth over $1,000 swiped from a single business in Temecula.
Investigative efforts by the Robbery/Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) of the Southwest Sheriff’s Station led to the swift identification and arrest of the thieves on May 13. Thomas Balandran, 50; Sherri Alvarez, 48; Brianna Balandran, 19; and a 17-year-old juvenile were apprehended following the service of a search warrant at a residence in Jurupa Valley. The adults were booked on multiple charges, while the juvenile was handed over to a family member and will face charges separately. According to a report by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects collectively managed to steal in excess of $7,000 worth of merchandise and may have also been involved in more unreported thefts.
During the search, deputies not only recovered stolen items with tags still attached but also found narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Thomas Balandran, who was on probation for grand theft, will also face charges for probation violation and drug offenses. "These suspects are believed to be responsible for additional thefts that may have not been reported to law enforcement," the Riverside Sheriff’s Office stated.
The team’s investigation also led them to uncover a fencing operation, where individuals were buying and reselling stolen goods. Deputies served two additional warrants in Moreno Valley on May 14, recovering over $3,000 in stolen merch. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has expressed their zero-tolerance policy toward these crimes and vows to continue working with associates to combat and put an end to retail theft rings.
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the case to get in touch with Deputy Christina Weber of the RBST at (951) 696-3133. With the investigation still ongoing, no further details have been made available.
