4 Arrested Amid Lake Elsinore Shoplifting-Prevention Operation

LAKE ELSINORE, CA—Riverside County Sheriff’s—Lake Elsinore Robbery-Burglary Suppression Team and Special Enforcement Team are working with local businesses to curtail retail theft in Lake Elsinore.

On Tuesday, officers arrived at a Lake Elsinore business located in the 18000 block of Collier Avenue to identify and arrest theft offenders near the Tractor Supply Co., Home Depot, Petco, and other stores.

"Deputies partnered with local retailers and loss prevention staff during the operation, which resulted in the arrests of four suspects for various criminal charges," Sgt. Robert Thomas said. "The purpose of the operation was to identify and arrest theft offenders."

Four subjects were arrested during the operation on misdemeanor counts of shoplifting under $950 worth of merchandise, petty theft of retail merchandise, and minor drug charges.

In each case, officers recovered the stolen property, and the suspects were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center, and either held or released on $2,500 bail.

"The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station takes all crime seriously and will continue these operations throughout the year to combat theft in the community and protect businesses and their customers," Thomas said.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099 or 911 if the matter is an emergency.

Anyone with information regarding the arrests associated with this operation is encouraged to contact Deputy Noel at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at (951) 245–3300.