Three Los Angeles residents have been cuffed after an alleged theft spree hitting multiple Target stores in Southern California, authorities said. The trio, nabbed during a swift law enforcement operation, is accused of nabbing thousands in merchandise.

According to a news release from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, the suspects were caught on May 22 after a "theft in progress" was reported at a Target on Teller Road in Thousand Oaks. A coordinated effort by the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force and local police managed to swiftly spot and stop the suspects as they were attempting to quickly flee northbound on the 101 freeway.

The accused – identified as Nanyaba Wilson-Tyehhimba, 27, Dion Damani Ford, 20, and Miya Angel Grant, 19 – had apparently struck a Target in Los Angeles County just minutes before hitting the Thousand Oaks location, per authorities.

Deputies reportedly found a stash of stolen goods, including alcohol, cosmetics, medications, and hygiene products, valued at around $3,500 from the two heists. After being booked at Ventura's Pre-Trial Detention Facility on felony charges of organized retail theft, all three made bail and are scheduled to stand in Ventura County Superior Court on June 6, as cited by KTLA.

The bust reflects the continued efforts of the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force, which operates with the aid of grant funding aimed at reducing the estimated $10 million annual losses from crimes like these. The task force collaborates with retailers and the public to provide a safer environment and crack down on crimes impacting local businesses and communities.

Anyone holding information on these or similar crimes can contribute by contacting the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force or anonymously via the Crime Stoppers Tip Line. Insights into such incidents can play a significant role in aiding law enforcement efforts.