Crime & Safety
$450K In Stolen Retail Loot Recovered By Task Force
A month-long surveillance operation led to the recovery and one arrest.
BAY AREA, CA — An astounding $450,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered from an Oakland home, vehicles and a storage unit, according to the California Highway Patrol. Investigators arrested 35-year-old Claudia Cruz on suspicion of organized retail crime, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit a crime. She was was booked into Alameda County Jail.
The recovery exceeds a similar operation that was taken down last November, resulting in $350,000 worth of merchandise seized.
The CHP’s Golden Gate Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force conducted a month-long investigation resulting in the latest recovery.
The CHP alleges that a criminal network was behind thefts at various retailers throughout the Bay Area. Investigators conducted surveillance operations and identified suspects believed to be involved in the Oakland fencing operation.
Investigators obtained search warrants for a home and multiple vehicles in Oakland.
Last Thursday, CHP task force investigators and San Ramon Police Department personnel executed the warrants on a home and two vehicles, recovering a large amount of stolen merchandise.
During the search, investigators learned of a leased storage facility. An additional search warrant was obtained leading to the discovery of more stolen merchandise.
A search of jail records on Monday indicated that Claudia Cruz is not in custody.
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