The Arizona Organized Retail Crime Alliance (AzORCA), statewide organized retail crime alliance launches Sahuarita/Pima County ORCA group  Pat Marshall of Walgreens was among representatives from nine retailers in Sahuarita and Green Valley attending a meeting last Wednesday with Sahuarita police and a Pima County Sheriff's detective. Signs of organized crime locally in Sahuarita, AZ., are becoming more apparent. "I felt we needed to jump on this and be pro-active," Sahuarita Police Officer James Oviedo said. "I spoke to Pat (Marshall) and Carlos (Estrada, of Circle K) about it, who enthusiastically agreed. Once I set the date and time, she communicated with her organization and other network and supported our launch."

With forces combined, authorities hope to develop enough evidence to jail thieves and nail theft-ring kingpins up the chain. The Sahuarita/Pima County ORCA group next meets June 24, and all local retailers/representatives and law enforcement are invited, Oviedo said. Anyone interested may contact him at joviedo@sahuaritaaz.gov

"We could not do (this) without professionals in the retail industry who have worked diligently for years identifying, disrupting and apprehending organized retail criminals and their rings," he said. Five attendees representing three retail chains in Sahuarita-Green Valley know talking is worthwhile where nabbing organized shoplifters is concerned, and are willing to talk about their experiences in hopes of nailing thieves and discouraging others from trying. They spoke frankly in the meeting of the new local arm of the Arizona Organized Retail Crime Alliance (AzORCA). sahuaritasun.com

Dollar General Asset Protection Busts Rural ORC Operation in Miss. - $230K in Stolen Merchandise Recovered  The Dollar General Asset Protection team recovered more than $230,000 in stolen merchandise and equipment from a welding shop and various storage units in Duncan, Mississippi in cooperation with local and federal law enforcement. According to a video report from a local MS news station, items recovered included food, cleaning supplies, clothing items and more. After diligent investigation originating from a hotline tip, the Dollar General team assisted law enforcement with the interview and eventual arrest of the property's owner. This individual has been charged with felony possession of stolen property. Investigators say the operation was more than likely a collaborative effort with a number of individuals involved. More arrests are expected.

Demopolis, AL Police seek 2 women in high-value theft from Walmart
Demopolis police are searching for a woman they say stole high-valued merchandise from Walmart earlier this month. The Demopolis, AL Police Department was seeking two suspects after releasing surveillance photos of the May 19 theft to the media. The photos appear to show the women pushing a cart containing a television out of the store in Demopolis. One woman was identified and will be charged with second- degree theft, Chief Tommie Reese said. The second woman, who police identified as Allison Henry Busbee, is believed to have fled from Marengo County to avoid arrest, he said. tuscaloosanews.com

Bridgestone Tire Company offers $6000 reward after break-in at Bradenton, FL store  The parent company of a Bradenton tire store is offering up to $6,000 in reward for information about who broke into the business and other stores in Florida. About 11 p.m. May 24, two people stole three rental trucks from All U Can Storage, and then used them to steal approximately $40,000 worth of tires from the nearby GCR Tire store, 2964 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. "Recently, five Bridgestone-owned GCR Tires & Service locations across Florida were targeted by thieves who stole numerous commercial truck tires. We continue to cooperate with local authorities as they investigate these thefts. In cooperation with Manatee County Crime Stoppers, we are offering up to a $6,000 reward for information that directly leads to the arrest of the parties involved," Nashville, Tenn.,-based Bridgestone Americas said in a news release. bradenton.com

Macon, GA Wal-Mart theft suspect claims she couldn't afford prom tux for son; then story changed  A woman authorities say was caught trying to steal $300 worth of merchandise from the Wal-Mart on May 15 begged not to be taken to jail. The woman, 35, sobbed and pleaded with a Bibb County sheriff's deputy. According to the deputy's write-up of the episode, the woman said she was "trying to help get clothes for her son's prom" that evening. She said she didn't have "enough money to pay for a tuxedo, ... so she decided to come to Wal-Mart to take some merchandise to help her son dress for the occasion," the deputy's report noted. Then her story changed. The woman had recently been banned from all Wal-Marts after a shoplifting arrest at another Macon Wal-Mart. The deputy asked the woman why she'd gone to Wal-Mart anyway. She said she had problems with drugs and alcohol and that stealing was "a way for her to support her habits," the report said. A store security officer disguised as a shopper said the woman had been in the store "a couple of hours" and was loading men's, women's and children's clothing into 16-gallon containers in a shopping cart. macon.com

Third time no charm for alleged Sears serial shoplifter in Vineland, NJ
An alleged serial shoplifter pulled the same scam three times at a city department store before getting caught, police said. Michael Morales, 46, of North East Avenue, was arrested Tuesday morning and charged with shoplifting at Sears on Landis Avenue. Police said Morales three times stuffed more than $800 in clothing into bags he carried into the store. Store security witnessed the man hide the clothing each time, but failed to nab him until the third incident, according to a police report. thedailyjournal.com



Greenville, SC Police seek Toys "R" Us shoplifting suspects  Greenville police have asked for the public's help identifying two women who are accused of shoplifting at Toys "R" Us on Woodruff Road. Police said the shoplifting incident happened May 21. Officers said the women fled the store with approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise. Both women left in a green sedan that was parked in the store's parking lot. foxcarolina.com




Memphis Police search for people responsible for Ulta shoplifting  Memphis police responded to a shoplifting call at the Ulta Beauty Store located in the 2200 block of North Germantown. Officers were told that the suspects took several bottles of perfume worth $1,200 and left the store. wmcactionnews5.com