More than 50 arrests for shoplifting in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office continues its fight against shoplifting by conducting “Operation Bullseye” at the Target store on Madison Avenue over the weekend.

The sheriff’s office said it arrested 50 people in two days, including nine teenagers. The suspects ranged in age from 15 to 54.

Detective Ryan Drummond of the Organized Retail Theft Task Force says $4,866 worth of merchandise was seized.

“None of the items were everyday necessities as the reports say. A lot of it was electronics, toasters, bedding, makeup,” Drummond said.

In his view, the number of repeat offenders is worrying.

“I would say well over 50% were repeat offenders. I would say 15 of the people were people my team had specifically arrested in previous operations,” he said.

According to the sheriff’s office, the Madison Avenue store is the Target store with the highest number of shoplifting incidents in the county. While the suspects received only minor offenses for each of the stolen items, four people ended up in jail on outstanding warrants.

“All of the warrants were related to theft. We have arrested many of these individuals multiple times in previous operations. Some of these warrants were specifically issued by my team and they simply did not show up in court,” Drummond said.

Despite arresting some of the same people in a system that Drummond says has no consequences, he doesn’t let that stop him from doing his job. The sheriff’s office is putting out a call to all businesses.

“If a company comes to us and needs or wants help, we are here for you. Call us. Let us know if you feel like nothing is being done. We are trying to change that,” Drummond said.

Operation Bullseye was funded by a grant from the state. The grant also requires the sheriff’s office to raise awareness of the problem, and the county has put up billboards.

Angelica Bravo identified as dead woman in Sacramento home. Her children still missing