Last Saturday evening, Petaluma Police nabbed three suspects in an alleged retail theft operation after they reportedly swiped numerous bottles of alcohol from a local Safeway store. The Petaluma Police Department shared the details in a press release published yesterday.
The incident, which took place at the Leghorn Marketplace Safeway around 10 p.m., involved suspects Anastasia Offord, 53, and Janette Smith, 45, both hailing from Richmond, and Collette Trotter, 54, from Walnut Creek. According to the witness, who had a good sight, they observed the suspects leaving the establishment with what appeared to be roughly 15 bottles in tow, sans payment. Their descriptive efforts helped police quickly spot and stop the suspects' vehicle.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers found Offord and Smith still with the alleged stolen goods. Trotter attempted to mislead with false identification during the encounter, but the truth of their identity couldn't be hidden for long. During the investigation, "both Smith and Offord admitted they had traveled to Petaluma with the intent to steal alcohol," stated the police department's update.
It became clear that Smith's record, marred by at least two prior convictions for theft-related crimes, might lead to enhanced charges under Penal Code 666.1 P.C. Along with the theft charge, Smith is also facing charges of shoplifting and conspiracy; similarly, Offord was charged with shoplifting and conspiracy. Trotter, ensconced in the stolen merchandise, is dealing with a false impersonation charge. Following the event, their vehicle was towed, and the trio was booked into Sonoma County Jail.
The Petaluma PD has expressed its dedication to aggressively tackling organized retail theft, which remains a pressing issue for retailers and communities. In their statement, they extended "gratitude for the community member who reported this theft which led to our team safely locating and apprehending the suspects."
