The newly formed Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force has already made a major impact by arresting a Los Angeles resident suspected of being part of an organized retail crime crew. In this article we talk about Ventura County Task Force Busts LA Thief in Multi-City Crime Spree.
Akop Galadzhyan Arrested in Organized Retail Theft Sting
According to Sierria Sun Time, On May 21st, 2024, detectives with the task force apprehended Akop Galadzhyan, a Los Angeles resident, in the city of Thousand Oaks. Galadzhyan was caught red-handed walking out of a retail store with over $1,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
He was arrested on felony charges of organized retail theft and booked into the Ventura County jail on $100,000 bail.
Suspected in Over $100K in Thefts from Target Stores
During their investigation, detectives gathered evidence tying Galadzhyan to more than a dozen other retail theft incidents across Ventura County cities like Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and Simi Valley.
They believe he was part of an organized retail crime ring that stole over $100,000 worth of merchandise from Target stores throughout Southern California.
Task Force Targets Organized Retail Gangs
The Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force was recently formed after the Sheriff’s Office received grant funding under California’s Retail Theft Prevention Program.
The multi-agency task force coordinates efforts across Ventura County to combat organized retail theft rings, as well as vehicle theft and cargo theft crews. These criminal enterprises are estimated to cost businesses and communities in the county over $10 million per year.
The task force’s primary mission is to identify, locate, and arrest the ringleaders and members of these organized theft crews through investigations and sting operations like the one that nabbed Galadzhyan.
Working With Retailers and Public
In addition to conducting investigations, the Organized Retail Theft Task Force works closely with major retailers to share intelligence and prevention strategies. They also rely on tips from the public.
Anyone with information on suspected organized retail, vehicle, or cargo theft activity in Ventura County is urged to call the task force tip line at (805) 383-8703 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
With collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the community, the new task force aims to severely disrupt the criminal enterprises that have been preying on Ventura County businesses and residents. I sincerely hope you find this “Ventura County Task Force Busts LA Thief in Multi-City Crime Spree-What Really Happened?” article helpful.