Los Angeles, Ca
Shoplifting cases soar in Los Angeles
Shoplifting reports in Los Angeles surged by 81% in 2023 over the prior year, according to police data compiled by a nonprofit news organization.
Crosstown looked at crime statistics that the L.A. Police Department posted publicly on a city website last week.
It shows retailers reported 11,945 shoplifting cases in 2023, more than five thousand cases higher than in 2022 (6,585), which was a more typical year, pre-pandemic.
Overall, retail crime, which includes shoplifting and felony smash-and-grabs, climbed 15% in 2023, according to Crosstown.
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Authorities arrested 41 suspects and recovered over $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise during a retail theft bust in L.A. (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department) -
Authorities arrested 41 suspects and recovered over $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise during a retail theft bust in L.A. (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department) -
Authorities arrested 41 suspects and recovered over $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise during a retail theft bust in L.A. February 2024. (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department) -
Authorities arrested 41 suspects and recovered over $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise during a retail theft bust in L.A. (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department) -
File – A security guard, right, stands at the entrance to a Nordstrom department store in Los Angeles, Dec. 2, 2021, where a smash-and-grab robbery took place. The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, has revised a report released in April that pulls back the claim that organized retail crime accounts for nearly half of overall industry shrink, which measures overall loss in inventory, including theft. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) -
Authorities arrested 41 suspects and recovered over $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise during a retail theft bust in L.A. (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)
Some shoppers say the surge in retail theft has shattered their sense of safety.
“I think it’s become an epidemic,” Patricia Hernandez told KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw on Monday while shopping with her daughters in Arcadia. “I won’t come out without my husband. I won’t take the girls by myself. I usually don’t go shopping after dark.”
Midway through 2023, local leaders announced a task force to combat the rising number of smash-and-grab cases that were occurring almost daily in the Los Angeles metro area – many during broad daylight in crowded stores.
Last month, Mayor Karen Bass and Police Chief Michel Moore announced the crackdown had resulted in 128 arrests and “contributed to a 33% reduction in flash robberies.”
Also, a bill in the California State Assembly would hold repeat thieves more accountable by making it a felony for anyone who has two or more theft-related convictions and is arrested again.
Southern California remains under an extreme heat warning as residents brace for the hottest day of the week on Wednesday.
“It will be roasty toasty in the valleys, lower mountain elevations and far interior, with highs ranging from 100 to 110 degrees,” the National Weather Service said. The warmest conditions are expected in the western San Fernando Valley.
An extreme heat warning remains in effect for much of Southern California until 8 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters say there is a high risk of heat-related illness for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Heat advisories are also in place for areas along the coast.
“Highs for today: 98 in Ojai, 100 in Ontario. Temecula, good morning to you, 100 degrees expected there. 112 in Palm Springs. Unbelievably hot,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.
Residents are urged to adjust their afternoon plans to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the heat of the day, stay hydrated and check in on elderly neighbors and loved ones.
The Weather Service said record highs are slightly warmer than those forecast for Wednesday. As a result, despite the extremely hot conditions, few, if any, temperature records are expected to be broken.
A few degrees of cooling are expected Thursday, but a more significant cooldown will arrive Friday as onshore winds increase.
Afternoon highs are expected to cool even more over the weekend, with below-average temperatures possible in some areas.
A Chino Hills man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent incident at a local liquor store, authorities announced Tuesday.
The July 13 incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the 4000 block of Descanso Avenue, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, which responded to reports of a stabbing at the location.
Arriving deputies found a stabbing victim inside the store and rendered medical aid until personnel with the Chino Valley Fire District arrived. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition.
While being treated at the scene, investigators said the victim repeatedly stated that someone named Alex was responsible for the attack.
The suspect, now identified as Hayden Alexander Marquez, 30, was located not far from the liquor store and taken into custody, sheriff’s officials said.
Investigators did not provide a motive for the stabbing or detail the relationship between the two men.
Marquez was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder.
Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at 909-364-2000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or submit tips online at www.wetip.com.
An early morning crash involving a big rig scattered cinder blocks across the northbound 101 Freeway, prompting a SigAlert in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday. The incident was reported around 4:10 a.m. when a big rig overturned on the freeway at Tampa Avenue. The crash occurred on a stretch of the northbound 101 that curves […]
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