Multiple stolen items recovered from a Target as a result of proactive operations throughout Bakersfield and Turlock. Photo courtesy of CHP

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to make steady progress in dismantling organized retail crime networks throughout the state. Recently, the CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies for a National Organized Retail Crime Blitz, helping recover $1.05 million in stolen goods. Building on last year's success, this event reaffirms the CHP’s commitment to holding retail theft suspects accountable.

From Aug. 1 through 9, the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) saturated communities and led coordinated enforcement operations at several businesses, shopping centers and retail stores statewide. Officers proactively identified and apprehended offenders suspected of organized retail theft.

“The impacts of retail theft on businesses and communities are long-lasting,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The CHP will continue to dedicate resources to catching perpetrators and holding accountable those who take from businesses and victimize communities.”

As a result of the CHP’s statewide efforts, officers arrested 97 suspects, including eight on felony charges, and recovered more than 8,500 stolen items valued at approximately $1.05 million. 

“The proactive operations conducted during the blitz are a snapshot of the work the Organized Retail Crime Task Force is committed to doing every day,” added Commissioner Duryee. “We will continue to do our part year-round to identify problematic areas, reduce retail theft and make California a safer place to work, live and visit.”

Yearly Progress Snapshot

Looking at the broader picture, the blitz builds on years of steady enforcement. Since the ORCTF's inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 4,700 investigations, resulting in more than 5,300 arrests and the recovery of more than 1.6 million stolen items valued at more than $76.6 million as of July 30.

In the first seven months of 2026, the CHP made nearly 350 retail theft arrests, investigated more than 280 incidents, and assisted partner agencies with more than 80 investigations, recovering an estimated $6.7 million in stolen goods.

Organized retail crime affects more than businesses. It can impact employees, consumers and the communities where these businesses operate. The CHP will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to disrupt organized retail crime and protect California’s communities.

For more information on the CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Program, visit: www.chp.ca.gov/notify-chp/organized-retail-theft-program/