The Los Angeles Police Department recently conducted a blitz operation targeting retail theft at the FIGat7th shopping center in downtown LA, resulting in 11 arrests for shoplifting. This proactive measure aims to combat rampant shoplifting that has plagued retailers across California. In this article we talk about 11 Arrested in LAPD Blitz Operation at Downtown Shopping Center.

The Rise of Retail Theft in California

Shoplifting and retail theft have been growing problems in California, especially since the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, which raised the felony theft threshold from $450 to $950. Retailers across the state have reported huge surges in shoplifting and retail theft incidents, with some estimating losses in the millions of dollars. Major retailers like CVS, Target and Walgreens have been closing some stores in California due to unchecked shoplifting enabled by lax penalties.

To curb this trend, law enforcement agencies in California are stepping up measures to deter retail crime. The LAPD blitz operation at the FIGat7th shopping center represents one such effort to send a strong message that shoplifting will not be tolerated.

Details of the LAPD Blitz Operation

On Sunday, the LAPD conducted an intensive blitz operation targeting shoplifters at the FIGat7th shopping center in downtown Los Angeles. During blitz operations, LAPD saturates a specific area with increased police presence and resources to combat particular crimes.

In this case, plainclothes officers were embedded with loss prevention staff across retailers in the shopping center. Throughout the day, these undercover officers apprehended 11 people aged 19 to 57 caught shoplifting from two unnamed stores in the center.

According to LAPD, the 11 people arrested for shoplifting include:

• 19-year-old Nicole Allman-Dean
• 20-year-old Breajanika Johnson
• 20-year-old Serlo Allyene
• 21-year-old Nanely Esquivel
• 24-year-old Parris Gregory
• 28-year-old Donald Gregory
• 33-year-old Ailena Vargas
• 34-year-old Ted Newman
• 37-year-old Gabriel Simmons
• 47-year-old Ebony Holt
• 57-year-old Jerry Ivory

While some suspects were eligible for cite-and-release under LA County’s misdemeanor bail schedule, others had outstanding warrants, meaning they could face additional charges.

Ongoing Efforts to Deter Retail Theft

This LAPD blitz operation represents one of many concerted efforts to crack down on shoplifting and retail theft across Los Angeles and California.

Both the LAPD and retailers are fighting back against the surge through improved security measures, closer cooperation with law enforcement, legislative reform efforts, and proactive operations like these to increase deterrence.

The FIGat7th shopping center has clearly taken extra steps to combat retail crime by embedding undercover LAPD officers alongside their security team. Their joint efforts paid off with 11 arrests in a single day.

FIGat7th is a popular shopping and dining complex located in the Financial District of downtown Los Angeles, attracting thousands of visitors daily. With major retail stores like Target, Zara, Forever21 and H&M, it is vulnerable to organized retail crime rings looking to resell stolen merchandise.

By taking a zero-tolerance approach and enabling arrests onsite, FIGat7th sends a strong warning to potential shoplifters while reassuring law-abiding patrons. The LAPD blitz reinforces that this downtown shopping hub is secure for visitors.

Ongoing Community Efforts Against Retail Crime

While increased police presence helps, deterring retail crime also relies on public participation. The LAPD urges anyone with information about shoplifting activities to contact their local police station. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.

Community-driven coalitions like the California Retailers Association also lobby for legislative reforms to support retailers victimized by theft rings.

Concerned citizens can get involved through their local Neighborhood Watch chapter to promote safety and security in commercial areas. They can also volunteer with community patrol groups that help deter and report suspicious activities.

It will take consistent, combined efforts from law enforcement, the retail industry, legislators and citizens to curb the ongoing surge in shoplifting and restore order in stores across California. Proactive measures like LAPD blitz operations represent an important piece of the overall solution. I sincerely hope you find this “11 Arrested in LAPD Blitz Operation at Downtown Shopping Center-Find Out Details” article helpful.