RANCHO CORDOVA – A collaborative effort among local law enforcement agencies led to the apprehension of more than a dozen individuals and the recovery of nearly $6,000 in merchandise linked to retail theft operations. Notably, a significant portion of the recovered goods included baby formula, valued at approximately $4,000.
The Rancho Cordova Police Department, in partnership with Sacramento County Probation and other law enforcement agencies, spearheaded the operation. Conducted in a shopping center near Olson and Zinfandel drives, the operation resulted in 11 felony arrests under Proposition 36, along with additional misdemeanor arrests. Officials reported the recovery of $5,732.48 in stolen merchandise.
Among the arrests, officers discovered $4,000 worth of stolen baby formula in the vehicle of a couple. A subsequent search warrant executed at the suspects’ residence uncovered a stockpile of additional baby formula. Authorities also recovered other items, including handmade signs displaying phrases like “family needs help, need gas,” which are often used to solicit donations from the community.
“Rancho Cordova Police Department understands the burden retail theft places on the community, consumers, and retailers,” the department said in a statement. “We will continue to regularly conduct these types of operations to help combat this crime trend, especially in light of the new laws which carry stiffer penalties for violators.”
