Police arrested 10 people on felony and misdemeanor charges during a coordinated retail theft operation last week targeting the 3rd Street Promenade and surrounding areas.
The operation resulted in five felony arrests and five misdemeanor arrests as multiple specialized units worked together to combat organized retail crime in the popular shopping district.
Officers recovered a stolen vehicle during the operation after the police department's SMART Center Automatic License Plate Reader system and SKY1 drone located the car. Two suspects were detained and found in possession of burglary tools and methamphetamine paraphernalia. One suspect had prior convictions for stolen vehicle offenses.
Major retailers including Target, Lululemon, TJ Maxx, Nike and Rite Aid reported thefts during the operation. Plainclothes and uniformed officers worked together to detain suspects, recover stolen merchandise and make arrests.
Police also arrested two vendors at the beach for assault following a battery incident during a dispute between the individuals, described by authorities as chronic vendors in the area.
The Santa Monica Police Department said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to address retail crime in the community. Officials thanked officers and community partners for their participation in the enforcement action.
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