A Southern California pawn shop is at the center of a significant retail theft bust, with police claiming a haul of stolen goods valued at over $20,000. KTLA reports that the San Fernando Police Department served a search warrant at Allrite Pawn Shop in Pacoima after suspicions arose about the business's alleged involvement with organized retail crime. The owner, 38-year-old Karlen Pogosyan of Arleta, is now facing charges.
During the operation last Tuesday, investigators found an array of items, predominantly from major retailers such as Target and JCPenney, according to a Facebook post by the department. Among the recovered merchandise were expensive household appliances, tools, and toy sets. Pogosyan has been arrested and booked on one felony count of receiving stolen property and is set to appear in court later this month.
Police have identified Allrite Pawn Shop as a "fence," a term used to describe locations that buy and sell stolen goods. NBC Los Angeles notes that the merchandise recovered in the bust included items like coffee makers, Dyson vacuum cleaners, and cookware. The operation was carried out by the Special Enforcement Team alongside SFPD detectives.
The arrest is part of a larger crackdown on organized retail theft. By taking down operations such as the one allegedly run by Pogosyan, the police aim to disrupt the sale of stolen merchandise that affects local businesses and consumers. The San Fernando Police Department has warned residents to be extra vigilant during the holiday season, recommending that they keep shopping bags, purses, and wallets out of sight to prevent theft.
