Roseville Police Arrest 29 in Retail Crime Crackdown
In a significant law enforcement operation, Roseville police have arrested 29 individuals allegedly tied to organized retail theft rings across the Twin Cities area. The operation, part of a broader crackdown on rising shoplifting crime, took place last week and was the second “retail blitz” conducted by the department’s newly established retail unit. The event was in response to a troubling uptick in organized crime that has been impacting local businesses, employees, and the community.
Operation Details and Results
The operation, which took place with the involvement of 24 local retailers—including large stores like Target, Walmart, and the shops at Rosedale Center—resulted in the recovery of more than $5,100 worth of stolen merchandise. The retail blitz targeted individuals who had been part of sophisticated shoplifting rings, which are often responsible for stealing and reselling millions of dollars in goods.
Roseville Police Chief Erika Scheider addressed the growing concern, stating, “We know organized retail crime is a growing problem in communities across the country. These highly organized crime rings are stealing and reselling millions of dollars in merchandise, negatively impacting local businesses, employees, community members, and our local economy.”
The Case of Kenneth Owen Machen
Among those arrested was 21-year-old Kenneth Owen Machen, who faces felony theft charges for allegedly stealing over $25,000 worth of merchandise from stores across the region over the past year. Authorities say Machen and his girlfriend were involved in thefts at multiple stores, including HomeGoods, Kohl’s, and Best Buy, with the stolen goods resold for a significant profit.
Police reports indicate that Machen and his girlfriend were responsible for stealing more than $50,000 worth of merchandise over an eight-month period, including a large heist in December where nearly $12,000 worth of items were taken from Best Buy in Rochester, Minnesota. In a more unusual twist, Machen and his girlfriend were also accused of stealing ribeye steaks and beef from a Roseville Lunds & Byerlys in January.
Officers identified Machen from surveillance footage, where he was seen with his signature “man bun.” He has a prior felony conviction and pending charges related to theft. Machen is currently being held in jail with a $200,000 bail.
The Growing Problem of Organized Retail Crime
Organized retail crime (ORC) has become an increasing issue across the United States, and Minnesota is no exception. This latest operation in Roseville is part of a broader effort to combat these crimes, which have escalated in recent years. Authorities point out that these crime rings often involve well-organized individuals who plan thefts strategically, knowing they can resell stolen goods for significant profit.
In addition to the thefts committed by Machen and others, Roseville police note the increasing participation of getaway drivers in these operations. Police analysts helped track down and arrest these drivers during the operation. Some of the suspects were issued misdemeanor citations, while the more serious offenders, such as Machen, are facing felony charges.
The Role of Retailers and Future Plans
Retailers have been urged to step up their security measures, with many stores increasing staffing and security personnel during the operation. The collaboration between local police and retailers has been essential to the success of the operation, with store employees being trained to report thefts immediately. The retail unit deployed officers to act swiftly when thefts were reported, ensuring suspects were apprehended as they left the stores.
The problem of organized retail theft is becoming a significant concern in the state. This operation comes just months after another major bust in Ramsey County, where a couple was arrested for stealing approximately $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise from stores across the country.
Conclusion
The latest operation led by Roseville Police highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement to tackle organized retail crime. As the problem persists, both police and retailers are working together to mitigate losses and protect local businesses. With more investigations and operations like these on the horizon, authorities are hopeful that the crackdown on organized retail theft will continue to make an impact in reducing crime across the region.
