Ad
Featured
Police arrest dozens in holiday shoplifting operation
Published
Modified
The Albuquerque Police Department stepped up its holiday shopping tactical plan this year, arresting 58 people on shoplifting charges, according to a news release.
Last year, APD arrested 35 people for shoplifting during the holiday season, according to APD spokesperson Franchesca Perdue.
From Black Friday to Jan. 3, APD officers were deployed to address property crime in Albuquerque’s shopping centers during the holiday rush.
APD arrested a total of 91 people, most of them for alleged shoplifting, conspiracy to commit a crime or possession of a controlled substance. In all, 33 people were arrested for felony shoplifting, according to the release, meaning they’re accused of stealing more than $500 worth of goods.
Another sizable amount of arrests were for misdemeanor shoplifting, which involves theft between $250 and $500, according to the release.
This year’s operation resulted in the recovery of $28,000 in stolen merchandise. Last year, police recovered $13,000 in products, Perdue said. APD also cleared 50 preexisting warrants, according to the release, which is up approximately 10% from last year.
Some prolific shoplifters were arrested multiple times during the 2024 operation, according to the news release, with one man being arrested three times on shoplifting charges.
