SAN FRANCISCO — Six people have been arrested in connection with a large-scale retail theft operation that targeted Safeway stores across San Francisco and Oakland, police announced Thursday.
San Francisco Interim Police Chief Paul Yep said the suspects are believed to be part of a “prolific retail theft crew” responsible for at least 26 thefts, resulting in more than $52,000 in stolen merchandise and approximately $6,000 in property damage.
The investigation began on Sept. 17, when the San Francisco Police Department’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force launched a probe into repeated thefts at local Safeway locations. Investigators determined the group focused primarily on stealing alcohol, often breaking into locked displays and storage areas.
Police said the suspects committed crimes at stores in both San Francisco and Oakland. With permission from the Oakland Police Department and cooperation from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office assumed jurisdiction over the Oakland-related cases.
Arrests were carried out over several weeks. On Oct. 28, suspects Kevin Lavender and Fredrick Dozier were arrested after allegedly burglarizing a Safeway on Irving Street in San Francisco’s Sunset District. Officers recovered about $5,000 worth of stolen alcohol.
The following day, Keana Allen was arrested during surveillance operations on Mission Street. Authorities also searched a residence on Ellsworth Street, where they recovered an automatic pistol with an extended magazine and an assault rifle, leading to additional firearms charges against Lavender and Dozier.
On Oct. 30, police arrested Kel Lavender, while Kewhum Allen was taken into custody in Oakland on Nov. 19. The final suspect, Tronshown Skyides, was arrested in Oakland on Dec. 5 on his warrant and unrelated firearms charges.
All six suspects face second-degree commercial burglary charges, with prosecutors alleging varying levels of involvement. Kevin Lavender faces the most serious case, including 18 burglary counts, multiple firearms offenses, grand theft, felony vandalism, and a probation violation.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible.
