Retail Crime Operation Nets More than $8,000 in Stolen Merchandise

A retail crime operation conducted by Las Cruces police, the Department of Homeland Security and retail store investigators resulted in one arrest and the recovery of more than $8,000 in stolen merchandise from multiple locations.

The coordinated effort between law enforcement and retail stores led to the arrest of a woman who was charged under the state’s Organized Retail Crime Act.

The investigation began in May 2024 by the Las Cruces Police Department’s Community Outreach and Street Crimes units, agents with Homeland Security Investigators and loss prevention investigators from local retail stores.

Investigators executed search warrants where merchandise, illegally taken from retail stores, had been sold or stored as part of an organized retail crime operation being run through a local business. The investigation is ongoing so, at this time, police will not be identifying the woman who was arrested or the business that was involved.

Organized retail crime, also known as “shoplifting for profit,” occurs when multiple people work together to steal, receive and/or sell merchandise for financial gain. The crime is a second degree felony under New Mexico law.

The recovered stolen property included clothing, cleaning supplies, health and beauty supplies, hardware, electronics, general household goods and building supplies.

Investigations like this are crucial for identifying offenders, comprehending their methods and formulating strategies to prevent future incidents.

Similar investigations focusing on organized retail crime will continue to be conducted by area law enforcement agencies.