SJPD Deploys Extra Patrols to Combat Organized Retail Theft

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

The San José Police Department has deployed extra overtime-based Organized Retail Theft patrols at local shopping centers and malls. One Sergeant and three Officers will conduct daily high visibility patrols for six hours a day during the evening hours, four days a week, on an ongoing basis. The schedule for these extra patrols may change based on crime trends, holiday shopping, and the needs of the Department. The funding for these patrols, the Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Detail, and additional Automated Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras was made possible by an $8.4 million grant awarded to SJPD by the California Board of State and Community Corrections.

 

Organized retail theft crime takes many forms and can involve a variety of crimes including shoplifting, commercial burglary, vehicle burglary, fraud, and fencing of stolen items. Statistics from the SJPD Crime Analysis Unit in 2021 to 2022 showed a significant increase in burglary and theft-related cases throughout the city. These crimes encompass reported organized retail theft cases. The SJPD crime statistics showed the following amongst retail theft cases:

• 2021 Reported Retail Theft Cases: 4,610
• 2022 Reported Retail Theft Cases: 5,756
• 25% increase from 2021 to 2022

Coupled with SJPD's ongoing efforts to finalize the installation of ALPR Cameras to combat organized retail theft, these extra patrols will be working with the ORT Detail, which has tasked four investigators to solely conduct follow up investigations on organized retail theft and track these types of incidents in the city. 

For more information, e-mail Lieutenant McKim #3893 at 3893@sanjoseca.gov or call 408-277-4521.

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.