Task Force Takes 15 Suspects Into Custody During Shoplifting Sweep

Fifteen people were arrested on Oct. 23 during a shoplifting operation in and around Genesee County. The arrests came from a coordinated effort by a Shoplifting Task Force made up of undercover police officers and area retail stores.

Flint Township police said the task force positioned officers to make arrests as thefts occurred. The department said it used surveillance, targeted enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach. Many of those in custody had outstanding warrants for felonies, the department said. Police also recovered stolen merchandise and returned it to retailers.

In one case, the task force received information from staff at Birch Run about the theft of North Face jackets. Police located the suspect's vehicle and worked with the Genesee County Sheriff's office to coordinate a traffic stop. Two people were arrested during that stop, and the stolen merchandise was returned. Police said more evidence and money were also collected.

Flint Township police said the task force's work addresses costs that fall on retailers when stores are targeted. The department said retailers absorb losses, security expenses increase and prices can rise when thefts continue. The department said its task force also works with retail loss prevention teams and the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office. "If you steal from our retailers, expect to be held accountable," the department said.

Flint Township police announced the arrests on Facebook this weekend. The department is the cited source for the operation's details.