The prevalence of retail theft in Las Cruces was noted by residents and business owners during a public safety town hall organized by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on July 25.
The same day the Governor was in Las Cruces, officers from New Mexico State Police and the Las Cruces Police Department teamed together on a retail theft operation that resulted in 14 arrests, according to a Las Cruces Police Department news release. The joint operation was held with cooperation from local Walmart and Walgreens stores and targeted repeat offenders.
“We’re pleased with the commitment and dedication of the officers and agents of the New Mexico State Police and Las Cruces Police Department to address the retail theft and shoplifting occurring within the city,” Las Cruces Police Department Chief Jeremy Story said in a news release. “The cooperation of Walmart and Walgreens asset protections was vital and added to the success of the operation. “Many of those arrested and charged were repeat offenders.”
More: New Mexico Governor holds standing room only public safety town hall in Las Cruces
The daylong operation resulted in nine physical arrests; five criminal citations requiring a court appearance; four citations for criminal trespassing; seven citations for petty shoplifting; one felony shoplifting arrest; seven warrants served; two seizures of narcotics; and one felony charge for possession of narcotics. Law enforcement partners recovered $578 in merchandise that was shoplifted during the day and identified more than $2,600 in merchandise that was previously stolen, according to LCPD. “The success of this operation underscores the relentless commitment of the New Mexico State Police to combat retail theft and protect our community,” said Troy Weisler, chief of the New Mexico State Police. “Our collaboration with the Las Cruces Police Department and local businesses was instrumental in apprehending repeat offenders and recovering stolen merchandise. We remain dedicated to working together with our partners to address and reduce retail crime in the Las Cruces area.”
Police Chief Jeremy Story on retail theft question. Said the LCPD in August will begin operation in August that will Crack down on all crime, including retail crime, which LCPD will say is not a priority pic.twitter.com/AikprmozRH
— Jason Groves (@JPGroves) July 26, 2024
During the town hall, Story said there was a 7% reduction in property crime in Las Cruces, but “we are seeing a huge spike in felony larceny, felony thefts, primarily shoplifting.”
According to LCPD data, there has been an 85% increase in felony larceny and theft through May, that amounts to 242 thefts this year compared to 131 last year during the same period.
Story announced at the town hall the launch of “Operation Not in Vain,” referencing his comments in the immediate days following the death of LCPD officer Jonah Hernandez, who was murdered while on duty in February. The joint operation would begin in August and last through the rest of the year, and include a team devoted to retail theft, Story said.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Joint retail theft operation in Las Cruces results in 14 arrests
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