NEWS RELEASE: Shoplifting Ring Dismantled
Shoplifting Ring Dismantled
Over the past three weeks, Investigators from the Montebello Police Department in conjunction with loss prevention agents from Victoria Secret & JC Penney conducted an investigation of a shoplifting ring.
As the investigation began to unfold, investigators & loss prevention agents identified a single adult male shoplifter. This shoplifter was eventually arrested at his residence in connection to several thefts at Victoria Secret businesses throughout the Southern California area.
Investigators & loss prevention agents were able to identify another suspect involved in the shoplifting ring. A search warrant was prepared and served at this suspect’s residence in Riverside. A significant amount of clothes, handbags, make-up, perfume and lotions believed to be stolen from Victoria Secret & JC Penney was located. An adult female was arrested associated with this property. Loss prevention agents estimated the recovered stolen property from this location is estimated at $489,000.
Investigators and loss preventions agents were not finished with this investigation. They visited another location in Riverside and still recovered an additional $20,000 worth of stolen property from Victoria Secret & JC Penney. Two adult females were detained at this property and issued a citation to appear in court for possessing the stolen clothing/property.
Investigators and loss prevention agents determined through their investigation that the stolen merchandise recovered was going to be sold at local swap meets and out of the residence of one of the suspects.
The loss prevention agents were extremely helpful in this investigation with their expertise and dedication and resources.
Montebello Investigators will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Arrested:
Gabriel Contreras – 23 years of age - Highland
Charges: Burglary & Grand Theft
Guadalupe Rocio Morales - 34 years of age - Riverside
Charges: Possession of Stolen Property
Address/Location
City of Montebello
1600 W Beverly Blvd
Montebello, CA 90640
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 323-887-1313
Lieutenant Andrew Vuncanon
Investigations
[email protected]
323-887-1200
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