51 arrested in crackdown on shoplifting teams in Fresno, including a Walmart Supercenter

A California Highway Patrol task force arrested 51 suspects Saturday and Sunday in Fresno and Kern counties on charges that included shoplifting, theft, resisting arrest and possession of a stolen vehicle, a spokesman reported Monday.

Described as a “blitz operation,” that entailed collaboration between CHP detectives and private security officers. More than $58,000 in merchandise was recovered, said the spokesman.

Stores involved in the operation included the Walmart Supercenter at West Shaw and North Brawley avenue. The supercenter was recently the scene of a shooting and stabbing, the spokesman noted.

The CHP encourages any persons with information related to retail theft crime to contact the agency at CHP-ORCTF-Central@chp.ca.gov

This story was originally published August 15, 2023 at 7:08 AM.