By Lookout Staff

January 30, 2026 -- Santa Monica police took part in a crackdown on an organized retail theft operation that targeted multiple retailers throughout Southern California, including in Santa Monica, police officials said Thursday.

SMPD's Criminal Investigations Division, working with specialized enforcement teams and regional law enforcement partners, executed multiple search and arrest warrants across Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

The three-month investigation led to the arrests of those responsible for thefts from multiple retailers throughout Southern California -- from San Diego County to Santa Barbara County.

The thefts that took place from June to October of last year included a Lululemon store in Santa Monica, police officials said.

"Investigators determined the suspects were part of a coordinated retail crime network that stole merchandise and resold the items at secondary locations," police officials said.

Search warrants were served in Van Nuys, Sylmar, Fontana and Jurupa Valley:

In Sylmar, more than 120 items of stolen merchandise were recovered, with an estimated value of approximately $11,000. One suspect was arrested for possession of stolen property with intent to sell.

In Fontana, thousands of stolen items were recovered, with an estimated value of approximately $65,000. Three individuals were arrested on related charges.

And in Jurupa Valley, approximately $24,000 in stolen merchandise and suspected counterfeit items were recovered. One suspect was arrested.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Partnering agencies included the Los Angeles Police Department Organized Retail Theft Task Force and the California Highway Patrol Border Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force.