San Francisco Police Make Multiple Arrests in Retail Theft Abatement Operation 22-177

Starting in late-November 2022, the San Francisco Police Department Burglary Unit began conducting a retail theft abatement operation at multiple locations in San Francisco that has resulted in 60 arrests to date. The operation is a coordinated effort between plainclothes officers, uniformed officers, and store loss prevention to address retail theft as it happens. These theft abatement operations are conducted at different retail businesses including department clothing stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies. These operations have resulted in 13 felony bookings, over 47 misdemeanor citations, and will continue.

Of the 60 individuals cited and arrested, about half were offered diversion with the rest being prosecuted for various retail theft crimes including commercial shoplifting, petty theft, and grand theft. Although each case is different and presents a unique set of facts, it is imperative that there is accountability and appropriate consequences in all cases.

Inventory loss due to retail theft has caused financial and emotional hardship to our businesses and the community. In conducting these operations, it is our goal to make arrests, deter future thefts, identify prolific retail thieves, and hold those accountable that engage in retail theft.

The San Francisco Police Department's mission is to protect life and property and work closely with the community by forming partnerships to prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime, apprehend those who commit crimes, and provide a safe environment for all.

We encourage victims and witnesses of thefts to call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress. If you have information about a crime that occurred, you can call the non-emergency line (415) 553-0123.