SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A major retail theft crackdown led to 21 arrests at a Dollar Tree in South Sacramento, where sheriff’s deputies say repeat theft has taken a heavy toll on the store.
The operation took place on Thursday at the Dollar Tree on Florin Road after the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said the store reported nearly a 65% loss compared with last year. Deputies arrested almost two dozen people during an eight-hour retail theft operation, according to the sheriff’s office.
The store declined to comment on the operation, but customers shopping there shared mixed reactions. Some said they were unaware theft had been such a problem, while others said crime in the area is common and welcomed enforcement efforts.
“Well, it’s affordable, and I come here like twice a week. I could just get really anything, birthday things, things for the kids, snacks,” said Rita Zaverukha, a Dollar Tree customer.
Sgt. Edward Igoe of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said those arrested represented a wide range of people. Twenty-one people were taken into custody, including four juveniles, he said.
“It’s really a mixture of all of society that’s coming in,” Igoe said, adding that thieves ranged from people without housing to others arriving in newer vehicles.
The sheriff’s office said the Florin Road location generated 67 calls for service in just three months. Igoe said one juvenile told deputies he and his friends targeted the store because it was easy to steal from.
Some customers said the theft is concerning but not surprising.
“I mean, it’s concerning, but it’s kind of expected,” Zaverukha said. “You just got to stay out of the way.”
Others said they worry theft could affect prices and employee safety.
“It’s concerning about the management, the employees,” said customer Sophia Salim, adding that continued losses could lead to higher prices.
The sheriff’s office said theft losses can add up quickly and could put about 10 jobs at this store at risk. Igoe said businesses can only absorb so much loss before they shut down, leaving communities without nearby retail options.
Customer Anita Prasad said she would like to see more security inside stores, noting that deputies can’t respond to every theft call.
“So I think it’s more management who needs to take into consideration how the security level is,” Prasad said.
The sheriff’s office said all 21 people arrested will be charged with shoplifting, and six of them are eligible for charges under Proposition 36, which allows felony charges for certain repeat retail theft offenders. Deputies say they are working with multiple businesses across the county to address theft.
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