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ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT UNIT
Protecting Businesses. Reducing Crime. Supporting the Community.
Salinas Police Department: Organized Retail Theft Team
The Salinas Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) team is dedicated to combating organized retail theft and ensuring a safe environment for businesses and the community. By addressing retail crime at its roots, the unit works to protect local businesses from financial loss and reduce the impact of theft-related crimes in Salinas.
The success of the ORT team is made possible through a state grant, which provides essential funding for advanced tools, investigative resources, and collaborative initiatives. This support ensures the team has the means to effectively combat organized retail theft and enhance community safety.
Our Mission
The ORT’s mission is to deter, detect, and dismantle organized retail theft operations through innovative strategies, community partnerships, and relentless investigation.
WHAT WE DO
Targeted Investigations
ORT specializes in identifying theft rings, recovering stolen goods, and dismantling networks that harm local businesses.
Partner with Retailers
By partnering with businesses, the unit enacts preventive measures, boosts security, and fosters trust in the community.
Awareness Campaigns
Raising public awareness about retail theft impacts and empowering residents to report suspicious activities.
Technology Tools
Leveraging advanced tools and techniques to track, analyze, and respond to organized theft trends.
WHY IT MATTERS
Protects Local Businesses
Prevents financial losses that impact local economies and fosters stability.
Reduces Crime Rates
Deters organized theft activities to ensure a safer and more secure Salinas.
Strengthens Relationships
Builds strong partnerships between law enforcement, businesses, and residents.
SUCCESSFUL ARREST BY ORT TEAM
Salinas, CA, March 2, 2025 – The dedication and expertise of the Salinas Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft Team (ORT) recently led to a major breakthrough in combating organized theft. One notable case involved a suspect responsible for a series of smash-and-grab thefts at a local JCPenney store.
Over multiple incidents, the suspect used a hammer to break into glass display cases, stealing merchandise with an estimated total value of $145,000. Thanks to the thorough investigation and teamwork between the ORT and the store’s Loss Prevention Officers, the suspect was successfully tracked and apprehended.
The suspect was charged under California’s new theft laws and sentenced to three years in prison. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of the ORT in holding offenders accountable while safeguarding local businesses and the community.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
If you are a local business owner or community member, you can help the ORT team make a difference by:
Reporting all incidents of retail theft.
Sharing information on suspicious activity.
Partnering with the team to enhance security practices.
- Invite our team to visit your business and make suggestions to curb retail theft crimes.
For more information or to get in touch with the Organized Retail Theft team:
Call: (831) 758-7226
Non Emergency
Call: (831) 758-7321
Anonymous Tip Line:
Call: (831) 775-4222
Emergency Call:
911