LASD cracks down on retail theft in Montebello – NBC Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) is cracking down on retail theft through undercover operations, preventing thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise from being stolen in Montebello.

Deputies recovered more than $4,000 worth of merchandise after a 12-hour operation targeting Macy's and other department stores.

“We carry out these operations to show that the law is a law. If you steal, you will always be in trouble,” Deputy Yen To said.

She parked discreetly outside the Macy's department store, working alongside undercover units and loss prevention teams to identify shoplifters.

Along with retail thefts, the LASD has also conducted baiting operations, leaving valuables like an iPad inside a vehicle and leaving it unlocked.

After officers arrested one of the men who took the bait, they found a ghost gun and other items they believed had also been stolen.

The operations began in November after shoplifting increased by nearly 80% in Los Angeles County between 2022 and 2023, according to the LASD.

“Companies from Walmart, Target, Ulta, Macy’s – just to name a few. In addition to mom-and-pop stores, they suffer from theft from suspects entering the premises, typically committing thefts between $500 and over $1,000,” said Lt. Kevin Tiwari.

By the end of the night, the operation resulted in the arrest of six people, some of whom were found with other stolen items inside their vehicles.

“Our goal is to catch as many criminals as possible to show them that you can't come into our county, our city and our stores and think you can steal and get away with it,” To said.