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Suspects caught trying to flee with $2K in OTC meds on public transit
lathrop crime
Photo courtesy of Lathrop Police Department Lathrop Police officers were able to stop a couple of organized retail thieves over the weekend before they got onto public transit with bags full of over-the-counter medication that they didn’t pay for – valued at over $2,000.

While organized retail thieves usually target retail stores to try and make off with items that can be quickly flipped on the internet, one group in Lathrop over the weekend shifted gears to focus on another unexpected target – a grocery store.

And they had planned on using public transit for their getaway.

According to the Lathrop Police Department, officers responded to Save Mart on Harlan Road after a call came in for a theft in progress – prompting patrol officers to blanket the area in search for the male and female suspect.

Within just a few minutes, officers noticed the pair fleeing into an “an awaiting uninvolved public transit vehicle” to try and get away – carrying bags full of over the counter medications that had been stolen.

Once the officers had the pair in custody and had recovered the more than $2,000 worth of merchandise that they had in their possession, they were able to quickly determine that this wasn’t the first store in Lathrop that they had attempted this in.

“During the course of the investigation, it was determined that both suspects were linked to additional Organized Retail Thefts from our Lathrop Target store with active warrants for their arrest,” the Lathrop Police Department said in a statement. “One of the suspects admitted to being at the local Walgreens store and stealing additional over the counter medication.

“Both suspects were booked into jail for multiple felony charges. Our Officers always remain vigilant throughout their shifts to ensure that the City of Lathrop remains a safe place to live, shop, and play.”

Law enforcement agencies from across California have been working to try and get a handle on organized retail theft – where groups target specific retailers hoping to take advantage of reduced staffing levels and load up on goods that they then flip on modern day online marketplaces that have become de facto fencing operations. Some agencies, like Manteca, have even gone so far as to dedicate a detective to working with retailers to thwart such crimes before they take place.

To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com.