88 Arrested In Peninsula Retail Theft Bust

SAN MATEO, CA — A joint operation targeted retail theft on the Peninsula netted more than seven dozen arrests and recovered hundreds of stolen items in recent months, according to police.

Police departments in San Mateo, San Bruno and Daly City teamed up with the San Mateo County District Attorney's office for the task force, which kicked things off in October.

"This coordinated investment into combating organized retail theft has resulted in an immediate and impactful return," said Ed Barberini, chief of the San Mateo Police Department. "The collaboration between the three police agencies and our partners in the private sector has proven to be extremely effective."

Uniformed and plainclothes officers deployed to shopping centers and frequently targeted stores in the three cities, collaborating with managers, loss prevention officers and security personnel to identify and stop suspected thieves. Over the last six months, the task force reported 82 incidents resulting in 88 arrests. Police said more than 700 items were recovered, valued over $23,500.

Police officials said the task force saw improved response times, crediting information-sharing efforts that kept officers abreast of shopping center layouts and other operating procedures.

"Serramonte Center deeply appreciates the invaluable support from the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Grant program within the community; crucial in protecting our community against theft, providing a safer work environment for our merchants and ensuring a safer shopping experience for all," said John Colucci, the mall's general manager.

The task force worked with the DA's office to take on each case after an arrest, helmed by a deputy district attorney assigned to oversee prosecutions. The task force is funded by a grant awarded by the Board of State Community Corrections.