Police build 26 cases in Sarasota County retail theft sting

An anti-retail theft operation on the U.S. 41 corridor of North Port, in south Sarasota County, recently wrapped up, concluding in 26 cases worked with about $7,100 in items recovered. 

The North Port Police Department conducted the operation June 6-9 with a focus on national retail chain stores, according to a statement. The department worked with Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Goodwill. By the end of it, several individuals believed to be part of large retail theft organizations were arrested. 

The department filed 13 felony charges, 13 misdemeanor charges and multiple felony drug arrests, according to these press release. Several of those arrested were not from the North Port area, rather they came from Miami, Bradenton, Venice, Ocala and Hillsborough County. 

“These thieves should know that law enforcement is working closely with businesses to reduce the trend of organized and other types of retail thefts,” NPPD Chief Todd Garrison says in the release. “They should certainly understand that our department is committed to protecting our local retailers here in North Port. A few more have now gotten the message.”

The release states that organized retail crime, large-scale retail theft with the intent to resell items, is up in the U.S. According to the National Retail Federation, survey results published in 2022 showed that organized retail crime was up 26.5% in 2021.