Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Nearly 200 Organized Retail Theft Cases Have Been Filed In LA County
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announces that that his office has filed nearly 200 organized retail theft cases in 2023.
(
Courtesy Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
)
Topline:
Nearly 200 cases have been filed in L.A. County in response to a series of high profile organized retail thefts, officials announced Thursday.
The details: L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón, who is running for reelection, said at a news conference that his office believes the people involved in the cases are responsible for targeting stores and causing them to lose business.
While some of the cases are pending, charges can include retail theft, grand theft, robbery, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.
Stores involved: Some of the stores targeted include 99 Cent Store, American Eagle, CVS, Nike, and numerous small businesses.
Asking for the public's help: Gascón said they're continuing to investigate and asked anyone with information on the thefts to contact the Organized Retail Theft Task Force. Anonymous tips can be filed through LA Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
A note about the primary election: Gascón was elected on a progressive platform in 2000, beating Jackie Lacey, who held the top prosecutors job in L.A. County for eight years. He now faces 11 challengers in the March 5 primary. Since winning office with 53% of the vote, Gascón has faced two failed recall attempts by critics who say he has been too soft on crime.
Sponsored message
LAist will have more on the race, including statements and positions from all 12 district attorney candidates, this Monday (Feb. 5) when we launch our Voter Game Plan, your comprehensive guide to voting in L.A. County.
Updated February 1, 2024 at 6:13 PM PST
This story was updated with context about the upcoming primary election.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
