Las Cruces retail roundup leads to arrests, hundreds in recovered merchandise

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — A joint operation to combat retail theft in Las Cruces resulted in 14 arrests last week, numerous citations and hundreds of dollars in recovered merchandise, the Las Cruces Police said.

Las Cruces Police and New Mexico State Police teamed up on the joint operation on Friday, July 26. Nine physical arrests were made and five criminal citations were issued that mandate a court appearance.

The joint operation also involved asset protection teams from Walmart and Walgreens stores and targeted repeat offenders, the Las Cruces Police said.

“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,” Story added.

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, Las Cruces Police said.

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, according to Las Cruces Police.

“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, Las Cruces Police said.

More joint operations are planned for the near future.

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