California Authorities Crack Down on Retail Robberies

As the holiday shopping season peaks, authorities in California are working to combat retail robberies. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is stepping up efforts to combat such crimes across multiple cities, including Los Angeles, which leads the nation in organized retail theft.

Sergeant Jimmy Eberhart and other CHP officers recently arrested a major suspect accused of being involved in a widespread retail theft ring in Los Angeles. The operation, which CBS News exclusively witnessed, followed about three months of surveillance.

Eberhart said the team of thieves traveled up and down California, hitting multiple drug stores and then returning to Los Angeles to move the merchandise. During their investigation, authorities discovered several stolen items inside a vehicle, including a specialized key designed to unlock anti-theft security tags.

Some thieves don't even try to hide their crimes, like with coordinated flash mobs. Seventeen people recently robbed a Nike store in Los Angeles.

Some security videos show people walking in and then right out of stores, unchallenged. But Eberhart said authorities do investigate and are "very proactive."

The Retail Crime Task Force of the CHP has successfully recovered more than $33 million worth of stolen goods in the past four years. Recently, officers discovered nearly 500 stolen items valued at over $10,000 at a warehouse near a swap meet. 

However, the battle against retail crime continues. During Black Friday weekend, the Citadel Outlets in Southern California, which houses over 100 retailers, became a target for thieves.

"This is not your typical shoplifting scenario that we are familiar with. This is a well-organized criminal effort," stated Steve Craig, the owner of the outlets.

To combat these crimes, the outlets have implemented high-definition cameras, license plate scanners, and increased on-site law enforcement presence. 

"We have invested in the highest definition cameras available in the market. We are taking security very seriously," Craig emphasized.

"If someone had told me 10 years ago that we would be spending $3 million annually on security, I would have thought they were crazy," Craig added.

A recent Gallup poll on personal safety revealed that more Americans are afraid of becoming victims of crime. The poll showed that 40% of respondents, the highest in three decades, expressed fear of walking alone at night within a mile of their home. Additionally, 50% of respondents fear having their car stolen or broken into, and 17% avoid going to malls.

Policy Decisions and Mask Wearing Challenge Law Enforcement

According to some law enforcement officers, policy decisions that create an environment where criminals can easily escape prosecution may unintentionally promote retail crimes. These officers also highlight the high costs and labor-intensive nature of investigations.

Moreover, the widespread acceptance of wearing masks in public poses a significant challenge in identifying suspects, further complicating law enforcement efforts.