Retail Thefts On The Rise At SoCal Mall; 2 Suspects In Custody

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Two suspects were arrested in connection with a retail business theft and other organized thefts in Southern California, according to the Redondo Beach Police Department.

A number of retailers at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach have seen a rise in theft in the last few weeks, Lt. Fabian Saucedo of the Redondo Beach Police Department said.

Investigators found that since Nov. 5, a group of suspects have targeted a specific retailer several times and have stolen more than $15,000 in merchandise.

Authorities say that the suspects enter the business and fill up bags with merchandise in front of employees and customers, then run out. The business names were not disclosed.

"Through investigation, detectives found that this organized retail theft crew are also responsible for similar thefts in Los Angeles and Orange County," Saucedo said.

Malik Trevon Oaks, 23, and Khristian Jamol Clayton Phillips, 26, were arrested on suspicion of grand theft on Dec. 4 as they left a retail business in the 1500 block of Hawthorne Boulevard, police said.

The suspects had approximately $2,400 in stolen merchandise, Saucedo said.

"Both suspects were connected to the theft crew previously mentioned and were arrested for grand theft," Saucedo said.

They are currently being held at the Redondo Beach jail on $250,000 bail.

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