SACRAMENTO REGION, Calif. — Thirteen people were arrested and more than $800,000 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered following a large-scale, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.
The investigation began in September when the California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) identified retail theft suspects linked to crimes in Placer County and other locations statewide. The task force includes investigators from the CHP, the Sacramento Police Department, and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.
On Oct. 1, Rocklin police conducted a traffic stop involving the suspects and requested assistance from ORCTF investigators. During the investigation, suspects revealed information about individuals who were buying stolen merchandise and reselling it for profit. Authorities learned the goods were being distributed through flea markets in Oakland, San Jose, Galt, Modesto, and Stockton.
Surveillance operations confirmed the connections between theft suspects, resellers, and distribution sites. Investigators later obtained multiple search warrants covering six residences, three storage units, and one storage lot.
On Dec. 11, law enforcement agencies executed Operation Silent Night, a coordinated enforcement effort across Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro, and Galt. The operation resulted in 13 arrests and the seizure of two firearms, more than $10,000 in cash, five vans, two passenger vehicles, and two trailers. Authorities also recovered more than 400 boxes and 200 bags of stolen goods, including cosmetics, clothing, household items, power tools, toys, alcohol, and diapers.
The following day, Cal Expo provided space for cataloging the recovered merchandise. In coordination with affected retailers, investigators documented 44,140 stolen items valued at more than $800,000. All suspects were booked into the Placer County Jail.
CHP Valley Division Chief Tyler Eccles said organized retail theft harms businesses, workers, and communities, emphasizing that the case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and retail partners.
Since the ORCTF was established in 2019, CHP has participated in more than 4,200 investigations, resulting in over 4,700 arrests and the recovery of nearly 1.5 million stolen items valued at more than $68.7 million statewide.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities credited the combined efforts of participating agencies, Cal Expo, and retail partners for the operation’s success.
