OAKLAND, Calif.
– Investigators assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Golden Gate
Division Organized Retail Crime Taskforce (ORCTF) recovered over $450,000 in
stolen merchandise from an Oakland residence following a month-long
investigation.
In July
2024, ORCTF investigators launched an investigation into a criminal network
involved in a string of retail thefts targeting various retailers throughout
the Bay Area. Through surveillance
operations, investigators identified suspects believed to be involved in an illicit
fencing operation based in Oakland. With
the information gathered, investigators obtained search warrants for a home and
multiple vehicles located in Oakland.
On
Thursday, August 15, ORCTF investigators, along with San Ramon Police
Department personnel, successfully executed the warrants at the Oakland
residence. During the search of the home
and the two vehicles, investigators located a large amount of stolen
merchandise, which was seized and transported to a facility for
documenting. During the search,
investigators learned that the suspect was currently leasing a storage facility
in Oakland, leading to the issuance of an additional search warrant. The storage facility was searched, and
additional stolen merchandise was located inside. Retail industry partners involved in the
operation valued the recovered merchandise, consisting mainly of items found at
drug stores, from all locations at over $450,000.
Investigators
arrested 35-year-old Claudia Cruz of Oakland for her involvement in the fencing
operation. Cruz was booked into Alameda
County Jail on charges of organized retail crime, possession of stolen
property, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
The
mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of
Safety, Service, and Security.
# # END # #