The El Cerrito Police Department takes organized retail theft very seriously. These crimes not only result in significant financial losses for local businesses, but they also impact our community by driving up prices, endangering employees and customers, and eroding the sense of safety in our shopping areas. Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime — it harms workers, business owners, and residents alike.
In response, ECPD patrol officers developed a proactive enforcement plan to combat organized retail theft in El Cerrito. Working closely with store managers and loss prevention agents from Marshall’s and CVS in the El Cerrito Plaza, officers conducted a targeted operation on Thursday that resulted in the prevention of four thefts in progress and the arrest of five suspects.
One of the individuals arrested was a wanted parolee with multiple prior theft convictions. Another suspect, who initially provided a false name, was found to have an outstanding warrant for grand theft and was in possession of fentanyl. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of ECPD officers and diligent loss prevention teams, over $1,500 in stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the businesses.
The El Cerrito Police Department remains committed to protecting our local retailers and maintaining a safe shopping environment for our community. We will continue to conduct focused operations like this in the future, particularly as we approach the busy holiday season.
