Southern California law enforcement disrupts theft rings

Law enforcement agencies in Southern California have conducted several operations targeting theft rings and stolen property. In Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Retail Crime Task Force arrested Cesar Santiago, 47, and Adriana Santiago, 22, for allegedly reselling stolen items in the MacArthur Park area. The operation, coordinated with retailers including Lululemon, Target, and Macy’s, resulted in the recovery of approximately $39,238 in stolen clothing, cosmetics, and kitchenware.

In a separate operation in Commerce, detectives and the Inland Empire Cargo Taskforce searched a warehouse, recovering teeth whitening toothpaste valued at $150,000 and electronic speakers. Investigators also noted ongoing work regarding a South American theft group operating across Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties.

In San Bernardino County, deputies responded to a theft report in Joshua Tree involving $15,000 in construction equipment. Following a search warrant execution, authorities recovered various tools and a rifle. Valerie Glover, 42, was arrested at the scene for possession of a stolen vehicle and property after being found in a stolen RV. Investigations into the ownership of the recovered items remain active.