Officers from New Mexico State Police and the Las Cruces Police Department teamed together on a retail theft operation held Friday that resulted in 14 arrests – nine physical arrests and five criminal citations that mandate a court appearance.
The joint operation, held Friday, July 26, 2024, was held in cooperation with asset protection teams from local Walmart and Walgreens stores and targeted repeat offenders of retail theft.
“We’re pleased with the commitment and dedication of the officers and agents of the New Mexico State Police and Las Cruces Police Department to address the retail theft and shoplifting occurring within the city,” said LCPD Chief Jeremy Story. “The cooperation of Walmart and Walgreens asset protections was vital and added to the success of the operation.
“Many of those arrested and charged were repeat offenders.”
The daylong operation resulted in nine physical arrests; five criminal citations
requiring a court appearance; four citations for criminal trespassing; seven
citations for petty shoplifting; one felony shoplifting arrest; seven warrants
served; two seizures of narcotics; and one felony charge for possession of
narcotics.
Law enforcement partners recovered $578 in merchandise that was shoplifted
during the day and identified more than $2,600 in merchandise that was
previously stolen by the offenders.
“The success of this operation underscores the relentless commitment of the New
Mexico State Police to combat retail theft and protect our community,” said
Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “Our collaboration with the
Las Cruces Police Department and local businesses was instrumental in
apprehending repeat offenders and recovering stolen merchandise. We remain
dedicated to working together with our partners to address and reduce retail
crime in the Las Cruces area.”
Retail theft has become a growing issue in the Las Cruces area with instances
of shoplifting and organized retail theft occurring daily.
The joint operation was conducted by officers from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police District 4 and the New Mexico State Police Special Investigations Unit.
More joint operations are planned for the near future.