A multigenerational, family-run retail theft crew accused of robbing dozens of shops throughout the Southland and stealing hundreds of {dollars} in merchandise was taken down Thursday in South Los Angeles.
The raid comes after a monthslong investigation by LAPD’s Organized Retail Theft Taskforce into the crime household, dubbed the “Dodger Crew” by police as a result of they typically wore Dodger apparel throughout their heists at shops in L.A., Glendale, Torrance and different SoCal cities.
Detectives informed KTLA’s Mary Beth McDade that the Mendoza’s ran a profitable enterprise stealing dear perfumes and colognes from shops like Nordstrom and Macy’s after which reselling the merchandise for a revenue.
“So, they go into varied areas all through the Los Angeles space and steal fragrance,” LAPD Lt. Mike McComas stated. “We had been in a position to establish them, we had been in a position to establish them and at this time we served a warrant on their residence.”
Authorities arrested 50-year-old Fermin Mendoza, his 23-year-old son additionally named Fermin, his 20-year-old daughter Natalie and the kids’s mom, 48-year-old Gabriella Lopez.
Police say the elder Fermin’s girlfriend stays on the unfastened.
Investigators stated it’s uncommon to see a number of generations of 1 household committing all these crimes collectively.
“We’re out right here at this time as a result of it’s a multigenerational theft crew,” Det. Colin Langsdale stated. “So, there’s a dad, what in all probability is his girlfriend or possibly a stepmom, two kids after which one other buddy which are going out and doing this all through the Southern California space.
The Mendoza, in keeping with investigators, have dedicated dozens of robberies since they got here to the eye of police in December.
“Couple of them have become robberies once they had been confronted by workers that work at Nordstrom or Macy’s,” Lt. McComas stated.
LAPD says it has seen actual success in cracking down on retail theft because the taskforce, which shares info with a number of legislation enforcement companies throughout SoCal, fashioned some 10 months in the past.
The taskforce additionally works with the shops.
“We work very carefully with shops and retailers,” McComas added. They share info with us, and we share info with them after we can.”
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Detectives stated the following step is to learn how and the place the Mendoza’s have been promoting their stolen items.
Anybody with details about this investigation is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Division. These wishing to stay nameless name the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or go away ideas on-line at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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