$1M Organized Retail Theft Ring Linked To Marin Apple Store Theft: AG

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Eight members of a suspected organized retail theft ring were arrested in connection with a statewide operation responsible for losses totaling around $1 million at Apple stores in 11 counties including Marin, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Thursday in a news release.

The thefts occurred from August of 2022 through January, Bonta said.

The suspects face multiple felony charges including conspiracy to commit retail theft, organized retail theft, grand theft, theft in the amount over $500,000, and an aggravated white-collar enhancement, Bonta said.

The Marin Apple Store is located in Corte Madera.

The crimes also occurred in Yolo, Monterey, Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside counties, Bonta said.

The suspects typically entered stores, holding back employees and customers while stealing retail items, including items such as iPhones and iPads valued at thousands of dollars, Bonta said.

“Organized retail theft costs businesses, retailers, and consumers — and puts the public at risk," Bonta said in a statement.

"Brazen criminal activity, such as the organized retail theft operation we have taken down today, will not be tolerated in California.”

According to a 2020 national survey, U.S. retailers lose approximately $700,000 per every $1 billion in sales to organized retail crime. Attorney General has made this issue a top priority and asks the public to submit complaints and tips at oag.ca.gov/retail-theft.

The California Highway Patrol's Organized Retail Theft Crimes Task Force (ORCTF), Oakland Police Department, Riverside Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Francisco Field Office, and the U.S. Marshal's Office (Northern Division), were involved in the investigation, Bonta said.