A two-day retail theft operation at Ventura’s Pacific View Mall led to the arrest of 37 suspects, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reported. The operation, conducted from December 6-7, uncovered approximately $2,000 worth of stolen property, along with burglary tools and illicit narcotics including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Among the arrested individuals were Fredy Velasquez, 18, from Santa Paula, and several others from Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, and surrounding areas. The operation was a collaboration between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and loss prevention teams from major retailers such as Target, JCPenney, and Macy’s, as well as Allied Security, the security service provider for the mall.
“This effort highlights the significant shoplifting challenges affecting not only the mall but also businesses across the county,” said the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in a statement.
The suspects, including 16 unidentified juveniles, face various charges related to theft, burglary, and possession of controlled substances.