Cooperative Operation Targets Retail Theft, Nets 14 Arrests

Officers from New Mexico State Police and the Las Cruces Police Department teamed together on a retail theft operation held Friday that resulted in 14 arrests – nine physical arrests and five criminal citations that mandate a court appearance.

Source: Las Cruces Police (via Facebook/Photo: Courtesy)

The joint operation, held Friday, July 26, 2024, was held in cooperation with asset protection teams from local Walmart and Walgreens stores and targeted repeat offenders of retail theft.

“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,” said LCPD Chief Jeremy Story. “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.”

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 by the offenders.

“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.”

Retail theft has become a growing issue in the Las Cruces area with instances of shoplifting and organized retail theft occurring daily.

The joint operation was conducted by officers from the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police District 4 and the New Mexico State Police Special Investigations Unit.

More joint operations are planned for the near future.

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Levi Gwaltney

Levi Gwaltney is the Editor In Chief of Las Cruces Digest. The Editor makes editorial and posting decisions regarding content published on this site. In most cases, the Editor makes little if any contribution to content published, and takes no credit for the content of republished posts. If available, the source or author of posts is provided at the top of the article.