Fencing Operation Busted As Police Solve Retail Theft Case

ALAMEDA, CA — A routine retail theft investigation in Alameda has led authorities to uncover a larger fencing operation, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen merchandise, according to the Alameda Police Department (APD).

The incident began on Monday, March 17, when APD officers responded to a reported theft at South Shore Shopping Center around 11 a.m. Two people were seen stealing more than $4,500 worth of merchandise before fleeing in a getaway vehicle.

With the help of detectives, loss prevention teams, and technology, officers identified the suspect vehicle and tracked its movements.

Later that evening, around 9:30 p.m., an APD officer patrolling Webster Street spotted an individual leaving a business carrying large trash bags filled with merchandise. The suspect was identified as one of the individuals from the earlier theft and was arrested for burglary and probation violations.

The suspect’s vehicle, connected to the South Shore theft, was also located and towed as evidence.

Further investigation led APD detectives to discover that the stolen merchandise was part of a fencing operation, an illegal scheme where stolen goods are collected and resold through unauthorized businesses. On March 18, APD served search warrants at a Bay Area business suspected of participating in the operation, recovering numerous stolen items.

The investigation remains ongoing, as authorities work to identify other businesses and entities involved in the illicit resale network. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact APD.