BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 43-year-old man was arrested after being suspected of committing at least 35 organized retail thefts from Lowe’s stores for almost a year, causing over $14,000 in losses.
The Bakersfield Police Department Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Unit ended an investigation involving a serial retail theft suspect, who allegedly would frequently steal a variety of items from local Lowe’s home improvement stores.
Police said 43-year-old Jaime Ramirez was arrested on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, after being identified for his involvement in at least 35 separate theft incidents spanning from July 2025 through April 2026.
Aggregated loss to the local retailer is estimated to be more than $14,000, according to police.
Ramirez was arrested with no incident and booked into Kern County Jail on multiple charges, including grand theft, organized retail theft, conspiracy and shoplifting. He did have an active warrant for his arrest.
Police said in a release, “Through dedicated investigation, this case serves as another strong example of the continued success of partnerships between law enforcement and local retail investigators in combating organized retail theft within our community.”
The release said, “Since its inception in 2023, BPD’s ORT unit has partnered with local retail locations to combat organized retail theft in the Bakersfield community. These types of thefts affect consumers, employees, local communities, business owners, and shareholders and bear a significant drain on targeted industries and the economy at large.”
Business owners interested in learning more about theft prevention and partnering with the BPD’s ORT Unit can contact the Community Relations Unit at 661-326-3053.