Gastonia Police Arrest 78 People in Retail Theft Operation

Gastonia, NC (WNN) - The Gastonia Police Department has arrested 78 people on 154 charges in a three-week undercover operation to catch shoplifters at major retail stores. 

Operation Details

From November 28 to December 19, the department's Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from patrol officers, conducted "Operation Naughty List" at high-theft retail locations, including Target and Walmart stores throughout the city. Officers wore plain clothes, blending in with shoppers while teaming up with store loss prevention staff to spot theft as it occurred, according to a department post on Facebook.

An officer undercover in plain clothes.

Gastonia Police Department

Charges and Seizures

Police arrested many suspects for misdemeanor and felony larceny, possession of controlled substances like cocaine, trespassing, and outstanding warrants. The effort prevented the theft of $4,342.85 in retail merchandise.

One major theft case involved a felony larceny worth $735, which involved the disabling of anti-theft devices. Police also found illegal drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia during the arrests.

Focus on Repeat Offenders

This approach allowed officers to intervene before stolen merchandise left stores. It also allowed them to identify repeat offenders and individuals wanted on warrants.

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