The San José Police Department has recently taken a stand against the surge in organized retail thefts plaguing the city, culminating in the arrest of a suspect believed to be deeply involved in theft rings. The SJPD, empowered by a substantial grant aimed at cracking down on these crimes, has made significant progress by nabbing 40-year-old San José resident Socorro Punzo on suspicion of multiple felony charges.

The arrest occurred last Monday at approximately 3 p.m. when officers from the Organized Retail Theft Detail tracked down Punzo, who had multiple felony warrants. Her alleged criminal activities paint a narrative of consistent theft from 2023 through 2025, hitting retailers including Macy's, ULTA, Sunglass Hut, and Home Depot. The gravity and span of her suspected thefts indicate that Punzo may be just the tip of an iceberg, potentially linked to dozens more similar incidents.

Following the arrest, Punzo was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges related to organized retail theft, burglary, and grand theft. This operation is part of the SJPD's larger strategy to combat retail crime, supported by an $8.49-million-dollar grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections according to the San José Police Department.