Southern California family arrested for series of retail thefts

A Riverside County family has been arrested in connection with a string of thefts at stores across Southern California.

The suspects, all Jurupa Valley residents, were identified by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as follows:

• Thomas Balandran, 50
• Sherri Alvarez, 48
• Brianna Balandran, 19
• Unknown teenager, 17

On April 24, officers responded to a store in Temecula where thieves attempted to steal over $1,000 worth of merchandise.

Investigators identified the suspects and determined they were responsible for at least 10 retail thefts in Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. The family reportedly stole more than $7,000 worth of items in those incidents, authorities said.

On May 13, a search warrant was served at a home in the 6800 block of Valley Way in Jurupa Valley.

During the search, officers found a large amount of stolen goods with price tags still attached. Other items were also found in the apartment, including drugs and paraphernalia.

Investigators learned that there were other homes linked to the thefts where suspects knowingly purchased stolen goods to resell for profit, also known as “fencing.”

On May 14, two additional warrants were served in Moreno Valley where more than $3,000 worth of stolen items were found.

The adult family members were arrested on charges of organized retail theft, burglary, conspiracy and grand larceny. The 17-year-old youth was handed over to a family member and criminal charges are being filed for juvenile detention on probation.

Officers determined that Balandran was on probation for grand theft at the time, and additional charges were added, including probation violation and drug offenses.

Investigators believe there are other retail thefts involving the family that have gone unreported.

Anyone with further information can call Deputy Christina Weber at 951-696-3133.

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office does not tolerate these crimes and will continue to work proactively with our allied agencies, loss prevention partners and the District Attorney’s Office to combat organized retail crime,” authorities said.