Alameda Police Department Recovers $75,000 in Stolen Property

Published on March 05, 2024

The Alameda Police Department (APD) has recovered approximately $75,000 worth of stolen property after a successful investigation into a targeted retail theft operation. The operation stemmed from a grand theft reported on February 9, 2024, at Old Navy in Alameda’s South Shore Shopping Center, and led to an arrest and the discovery of a significant amount of stolen merchandise.  

APD investigators identified a pattern in similar cases, where organized retail groups enter a business and systematically remove large quantities of merchandise. In response, APD launched a thorough investigation in collaboration with Old Navy’s loss prevention team to identify not only the individuals entering the stores, but also the parties receiving the merchandise.

APD collaborated with additional retailers, independent witnesses, and California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Organized Retail Crime Task Force, which led to the recovery of eight truckloads of stolen merchandise, multiple stolen vehicles, and more than $10,000 in cash. 

The Alameda Police Department would like to thank the South Shore Shopping Center’s Old Navy (The Gap, Inc.), whose loss prevention team played a pivotal role in this investigation. APD also extends its gratitude to the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force, and to the loss prevention teams from Kohl’s, LensCrafters, Ross, TJ Maxx/Marshall’s, Walgreens, Carter’s, Walmart, Safeway, and Nordstrom for their assistance.

“While we celebrate this significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to address organized retail theft, we recognize our work is far from over,” states Investigations Lieutenant, Brian Foster. “We remain committed to working closely with our community partners to ensure safe shopping experiences and help support the success of our local businesses.” 

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details will be released at this time. APD continues to encourage residents and businesses to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.