Fifteen people have been arrested in a shoplifting blitz carried out by Flint Township police and retail businesses across Genesee County, Michigan.
The operation on Friday 23 October targeted suspected retail thefts, with undercover officers positioned to intervene as offences were allegedly taking place. Police said several of those detained were also wanted on outstanding felony or misdemeanor warrants.
Shoplifting task force makes 15 arrests
The arrests were carried out by the area’s Shoplifting Task Force, which combines police officers with retail loss-prevention staff. Investigators used surveillance, targeted enforcement and coordinated operations with local shops.
Flint Township police said stolen goods were recovered during the operation and returned to retailers. They added that evidence and money were also collected as part of the investigations.
In one case, staff at the Birch Run shopping outlet reported the alleged theft of North Face jackets. Officers traced a suspect vehicle and worked with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to arrange a traffic stop.
Two people were arrested during the stop, police said, and the jackets were recovered and returned to the store.
The police department said repeated thefts impose costs on businesses through lost stock and increased security measures, with the potential for higher prices and reduced investment in local shopping areas.
It said the task force would continue working with retailers and the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office to pursue people suspected of targeting stores.
